Ratnapura flood shelters decline after speedy action

As a result of speedy relief operations, the number of flood victim shelters in Ratnapura has decreased steadily. The most critical need of the victims and the Ratnapura city-that is the drinking water supply-has now been restored. Even the entire array of destroyed water wells has been renovated.

“Lanka Sathosa has issued dry rations and essential items (as disaster relief) to the value of Rs 10 Million”  said the Minister of Industry and Commerce Rishad Bathiudeen on 13 June. Minister Bathiudeen was reviewing the progress of his relief efforts for flood victims of Ratnapura electorate. The Ratnapura electorate’s relief and recovery efforts were led by Minister Bathiudeen who visited the area and inspected on June 3. Minister Bathiudeen was appointed by HE President Maithripala Sirisena for flood relief action in the Ratnapura Electorate.

“The latest reports from the Divisional Secretariat show that the total families affected in Ratnapura electorate to be 8984 (36431 persons) and total houses damaged in the electorate at 1930 (1861 partly damaged)” said Minister Bathiudeen on 13 June during his discussions with the officials, and added: “Lanka Sathosa has issued dry rations and essential items (as disaster relief) to the value of Rs 10 Million.  The number of flood victim camps have reduced from 9 to 5 thus bringing the number of families in camps down to 77 from 121 at the time of floods. The Industrial Development Board (IDB) under Minister Bathiudeen has identified 264 small & medium industries in Ratnapura electorate as damaged and needing revival assistance -the estimated cost is Rs 162 million with a loss of livelihoods of 1000 people. The National Enterprise Development Authority (NEDA) under the Minister identified 1255 small, medium & micro businesses as damaged and in need of assistance-and the costs are being worked.”

During the recent floods, Ratnapura city was inundated unprecedentedly, and residents reported even surrounding lands too were submerged -by 5 to 8 ft water levels at many locations-destroying countless gem mines that the city is famous for and many tracts of paddy fields.