President Ranil Wickremesinghe has directed officials to refrain from permitting new construction in the Kelani river valley to regulate the river water levels. 

Additionally, the President instructed officials to promptly halt illegal landfills in these areas and to relocate the Mulleriyawa and IDH hospitals to alternative locations.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe embarked on an observation tour of the Kolonnawa, Kelaniya and Ambatale areas to assess the welfare of individuals affected by the floods and other disasters resulting from adverse weather conditions. Following this tour, he participated in a discussion held at the Kolonnawa Sedawatta Weheragoda Rajamaha Viharaya, where he issued instructions.

During his visit, the President also inspected the Ambatale Galwana Purana Rajamaha Viharaya, where displaced individuals are sheltered, as well as the Sedawatta Weheragoda Purana Rajamaha Viharaya. Additionally, he visited the security centres of Kolonnawa Terence S. Silva College and Wellampitiya Community College to inquire about the well-being of the people and instructed officials to address their needs promptly and continuously.

The President instructed the Kolonnawa Divisional Secretary to initiate food distribution for flood-affected individuals in the Kolonnawa area starting tonight. Additionally, he emphasized the importance of prioritizing the health and sanitation needs of these individuals.

He further emphasized the importance of swiftly relocating individuals from flood-prone areas, suggesting the utilization of aqueducts to divert the floodwaters.

Senior Advisor to the President on National Security and Chief of Presidential Staff Sagala Ratnayaka, emphasized the necessity of implementing a specialized program to safeguard the homes and property of individuals residing in shelters during the disaster.

During a discussion held at the Kolonnawa Divisional Secretary’s Office, he further highlighted the potential for implementing mobile patrols with the involvement of community police.

Mr. Sagala Ratnayaka also advised the army to adhere to strict hygiene protocols while providing food to people in the disaster-stricken areas. He instructed officers to ensure the provision of clean drinking water to the affected individuals.

He also directed the establishment of a temporary relief centre operated by the Tri-force officers to provide essential relief to the people until the disaster situation ends. Furthermore, he underscored the importance of initiating a special program immediately to control epidemic diseases such as dengue, rat fever (Leptospirosis) and diarrhoea that may arise after the flood situation recedes.

He mentioned that the President has instructed to rebuild all the houses that were completely damaged due to the disaster situation, with government assistance and the involvement of the armed forces.

Present at the discussion were Minister of Public Security Tiran Alles,  State Minister of Defence Premitha Bandara Tennakoon, Members of Parliament Rear Admiral Sarath Weerasekera, Premnath C. Dolawatte, S.M Marikkar, Senior Advisor to the President on National Security and Chief of Staff to the President Sagala Ratnayaka, Director General of Trade Unions to the President Saman Ratnapriya, Army Commander Lt. Gen. Vikum Liyanage, Air Force Commander Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa, Navy Commander Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera and Inspector General of Police Deshbandu Tennakoon.

(President’s Media Division)

Provincial Councils, Local Government, and Environment State Minister Janaka Wakkumbura announced that President Ranil Wickremesinghe has instructed to utilize funds allocated for the National Celebration of World Environment Day on June 5, to aid those affected by adverse weather conditions. 
He emphasized that during this time of difficulty, some individuals are attempting to gain political advantages by merely criticizing, while what is truly needed is immediate assistance for those affected.

State Minister Vakkambura made these remarks at a press conference held at the Presidential Media Centre today (03) under the theme “Collective Path to a Stable Country.” 

Addressing the Media Personnel, the State Minister further commented:

A large number of people have been displaced due to prevailing adverse weather conditions. As a government, we have already begun providing relief to them. A program to supply food to displaced persons across the country has also been implemented. 

Additionally, all local and provincial authorities have been instructed to commence cleaning operations in affected areas as soon as the floodwaters recede. There is also a risk of epidemic diseases such as spread of dengue, and we have directed concerned officials to take preventive measures. Notifications have also been issued to repair the damaged bridges, bays, and roads.

Provincial Councils and the Ministry of Provincial Councils, Local Government, and Environment have jointly allocated provisions for the development and welfare of families and areas affected by disasters. President Ranil Wickremesinghe has instructed all District Secretaries to prioritize necessary actions over budget concerns during this process.

However, at this time, some individuals are attempting to gain political advantage through criticism. This is not the appropriate course of action. What is more important than criticism is for everyone to work together to support and save the displaced people.

Additionally, there is a need to develop a proactive program to control flooding before it occurs. The President has directed the relevant authorities to focus on the necessary measures to address this issue as a government.Additionally, starting tomorrow (04), interviews are scheduled over the next 10 days to grant permanent appointments to 8,400 employees in local government institutions who have not yet received them.

We have also identified efforts by some individuals to sabotage this project. Therefore, I urge the public to trust the government under any circumstances.The national celebration of World Environment Day was scheduled for June 5th. However, President Ranil Wickremesinghe has instructed that the celebration be cancelled, and the financial allocation be redirected to support the welfare of those affected by the adverse weather conditions.

(President’s Media Division)

President Ranil Wickremesinghe announced plans to construct 250 new bridges across Sri Lanka to enhance road connectivity and maximize the benefits of national development projects for rural communities.

The President made this announcement while addressing a celebration at the Shangri-La Hotel in Colombo today (03), marking the successful completion of 750 rural bridges by Janson Bridging International from the Netherlands over the period 2014-2024.

During his address, President Wickremesinghe emphasized the government’s commitment to improving the living conditions of people in areas connected by these bridges. He underscored the importance of ensuring that the benefits of economic development reach the poorest segments of society.

The celebration highlighted the significant impact of the completed 750 bridges in improving accessibility and fostering development in various rural parts of Sri Lanka, underscoring the collaborative efforts between Sri Lanka and the Netherlands in infrastructure development.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe highlighted the government’s goal to reduce multidimensional poverty to 10% by focusing on rural communities. He emphasized the critical role of infrastructure projects in rural areas in achieving this objective. The President expressed his gratitude to the government of the Netherlands for their support in this endeavour.During the celebration at the Shangri-La Hotel in Colombo, President Wickremesinghe and the Ambassador of the Netherlands to Sri Lanka H.E. Bonnie Horbach were presented with a plaque. This commemorative plaque marked the 10th anniversary of Janson Bridging International and celebrated the successful completion of 750 bridges in Sri Lanka over the past decade.

Addressing the gathering the President further said:ìWe are here to witness the completion of 750 bridges constructed by Janson Bridging. This is a formidable task that they have successfully accomplished. I am familiar with the areas where these rural bridges were built. While bridges are easier to construct than highways, they were nevertheless constructed in remote and difficult places. These bridges collectively enhance the living conditions of the connected areas.

Connectivity is crucialóover rivers, over bridges, and even in terms of speed. This extensive network of connectivity enables us to transport goods to the main highways and send them to Colombo or other major cities. This project is significant, and we aim to complete another 250 bridges, making it a total of 1,000.Why is this necessary? The poverty rate in our country has increased from about 15% in 2019 to over 25%. We are committed to reducing it to 10% by 2032. The agreement signed with the IMF is not just about statistics; as the economy develops, we must ensure it benefits the poorest of the poor. Our goal is to reduce multidimensional poverty to 10%, focusing on those in rural areas.
Connectivity projects like this help us reach this target. The economic and social benefits are evident, and we will see the impact within five years of the project’s completion. I also thank the Government of the Netherlands for their contribution to these projects. Together with the Ambassador, we opened four hospitals in the Northern Province, serving different communities.

These two projects significantly uplift Sri Lankaís rural communities. When I became president, I was committed to advancing these projects, recognizing their critical impact. Thank you again for these initiatives and for returning the Lewke Disaweís artwork. I have no doubt there will be much more to come.

Due to the adverse weather, we are facing a flood situation that has already claimed many lives. The government has committed to rebuilding all the houses completely destroyed by this calamity with the help of the armed forces. After receiving reports on partially damaged buildings, related decisions will be made. The Prime Minister is scheduled to present an urgent cabinet paper on this matter to the cabinet this evening.

Additionally, I have instructed the release of available funds to provide all necessary relief for the affected people. District Secretaries have been directed to promptly prepare estimates for all necessary provisions.

In 2017, the government spent Rs. 170 billion to address disaster-related issues, where 13 districts were in a state of disaster. This time, some provinces have not suffered from major damages. Nonetheless, we aim to allocate all necessary funds to settle disaster damages this year and next year.

The Ambassador of the Netherlands to Sri Lanka – Bonnie Horbach;ìIt is an absolute honour to be here today to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Janson Bridging in Sri Lanka and the completion of 750 bridges over the past decade.
Janson Bridging has spent the last 10 years in Sri Lanka building bridges, not the fancy ones we often think of, but those that connect people, unlock opportunities and directly benefit local communities.

Leadership is about unlocking people’s potential to become better. Your Excellency, Mr. President, you demonstrated leadership two years ago during the country’s worst economic crisis. At that time, important and difficult decisions had to be made about which investments to continue and which to delay.The event was attended by Member of Parliament Wajira Abeywardena, Deputy Head of Mission of the Netherlands Mr. Iwan Rutjens, Chairman of Access Group Mr. Sumal Perera, Managing Director of Foresight Engineering Mr. Theo Fernando, and the Managing Director of Janson Bridging International Mr. Dirk Fransen, along with other distinguished guests.

(President’s Media Division)