The death toll from adverse weather in Sri Lanka has risen to 26, State Minister of Defence Premitha Bandara Tennakoon announced in Parliament.
Briefing the House on the current situation, the Minister stated that 130,021 individuals from 33,422 families have been affected by the adverse weather conditions in Sri Lanka.
“So far, 26 deaths and 41 injuries related to the adverse weather have been reported. Additionally, 9,248 individuals from 2,368 families have been housed at 116 safe centers,” Tennakoon said.
The Minister rejected accusations from MPs that there were no preparations for floods ahead of the monsoons, emphasizing that preparations have been underway at the community level with the participation of village committees for several weeks.
Addressing criticisms of the Meteorology Department’s ability to accurately predict weather, Tennakoon admitted that Sri Lanka’s technological capabilities are 10 to 15 years behind.
“I accept that we are technologically backward. However, despite the economic difficulties over the past few years, a project to upgrade the Meteorology Department’s technological capabilities has not been ignored,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Cabinet of Ministers has approved a proposal by President Ranil Wickremesinghe to provide relief to victims of adverse weather, Tennakoon said.
Responding to questions from Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa about increasing allocated funds for meals for victims, the State Minister confirmed that the government has already obtained necessary approvals for this measure.
Meanwhile President Wickremesinghe also instructed that the funds allocated for World Environment Day celebrations be redirected to support those affected by the recent inclement weather.
State Minister of Provincial Councils and Local Government Janaka Wakkumbura announced that the national celebration for World Environment Day, scheduled for tomorrow, has also been canceled. (Newswire)