Deputy Minister of Fisheries Rathna Gamage announced plans to provide urgent assistance to fishermen heavily impacted by recent severe weather conditions. During a visit to Pottuvil to evaluate the situation, the Deputy Minister emphasized the widespread difficulties caused by the disaster, particularly in the northern and eastern provinces.
“Fishermen in these areas suffered the greatest losses, with 16 fishing boats destroyed and numerous families deprived of their livelihoods,” Gamage said. He further stated that President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has instructed the Ministry of Disaster Management to fast-track aid for those affected.
Local divisional and district secretaries have been tasked with directing impacted families to the Disaster Management Center for support. Efforts are also underway to offer some relief to repair the damaged fishing vessels.
In the meantime, the Road Development Authority (RDA) has initiated a program to gather data on roads and bridges damaged by the heavy rains. Reports indicate that infrastructure across the island has sustained significant damage.
Director General of the RDA, S. M. P. Suriyabandara, confirmed that comprehensive assessments will be conducted to prioritize and speed up restoration efforts.
He added that the Manampitiya-Aralaganwila road, which had been damaged by the recent weather, has already been repaired and reopened for traffic.
