Rs. 10,000 Sanitation Grant for Every Affected Household

COLOMBO (News 1st); The National Disaster Relief Services Centre has announced a series of urgent measures to accelerate relief and recovery for flood-affected communities, while warning of heightened health risks as floodwaters recede.

Speaking at a media briefing at the Defence Headquarters today, Assistant Secretary Jayatissa Munasinghe revealed that each Divisional Secretariat has been allocated Rs. 50 million to provide immediate assistance without administrative delays.

Under the emergency disaster situation, each Divisional Secretary is authorised to use up to Rs. 50 million without administrative delays.

Munasinghe confirmed that relief allocations have been increased, enabling rapid disbursement for dry rations and packaged food items where necessary. Assistance is calculated for a seven-day period, with rates set at:

Rs. 2,100 per individual

Rs. 4,200 for two-member families

Rs. 6,300 for three-member families

Rs. 8,400 for four-member families

Rs. 10,500 for families of five or more

He also announced a Rs. 10,000 sanitation grant for every affected household to clean and restore homes damaged by mud and debris.

The Assistant Secretary warned of increased risk of infectious and vector-borne diseases as stagnant water and debris create breeding grounds for mosquitoes and pathogens.

The health sector has already deployed preventive measures, but public vigilance remains critical.

Communication systems in severely affected areas are gradually being restored, and Munasinghe appealed for full cooperation with relief officers, who continue to work under challenging conditions to safeguard lives and restore normalcy.