Govt seeks world aid for flood relief

President Maithripala Sirisena, who named the committee has tasked different ministers with responsibilities. It is a prelude to the formulation of the final report seeking assistance. Among such measures are: Disaster Management Minister Anura Priyadarshana Yapa has been called upon to prepare a suitable plan to provide housing facilities to displaced families. He has been told to forward his report for Cabinet approval within two weeks. Health Minister Rajitha Senaratne to ensure restoration of health services in conjunction with the Provincial Councils. Home Affairs Minister Vajira Abeywardena to immediately fill the existing vacancies for key posts like District Secretaries and Divisional Secretaries. He has also been told to ensure these Secretariats provide food and other relief items to the displaced on time. President Sirisena has said that payments of relief should be effectively extended by the Government, deviating from adopting traditional procedures, where necessary. Education Minister Akila Viraj Kariyawasam to ensure that educational institutions in the affected areas are functioning smoothly. Women and Child Affairs Minister Chandrani Bandara to conduct a survey on children who have lost their mothers or fathers and formulate a report. Early last month the Cabinet Committee on Economic Management (CCEM) approved a request from the Treasury to release two billion rupees through the Central Bank of Sri Lanka. This is to help self-employed and small scale businessmen who are not covered by the banking system and insurance schemes.