Heavy rains have caused severe flooding, landslides, and property damage in several districts of Sri Lanka, leaving thousands affected. In a tragic incident near Galle Thuwakkugalawatta temple, a 78-year-old man lost his life when a stone fell on his house from a height of about 15 feet during the downpour. Approximately 50,000 people have been impacted across the island due to the adverse weather conditions.
In response to the crisis, President Ranil Wickramasinghe has directed officials, including the Matara District Secretary, to assess the needs of flood-affected people in the Matara district. Immediate measures have been initiated to provide essential facilities such as cooked food, medicine, and other necessities. The armed forces have been mobilized to support relief activities, ensuring the safety of those affected.
As part of the relief efforts, community food processing centers have been set up in various locations, including Malimbada, Akurassa, Kamburupitiya, and Thihagoda, where cooked food is being provided to affected families. The Army has implemented a special relief program in the Malimbada Divisional Secretariat Division, the area most severely affected by the floods. Military personnel, equipped with boats and vehicles, are engaged in rescue and relief operations.
For emergency situations and related information in the Matara district, residents are encouraged to contact Major General Janaka Ranasinghe at 0766907042 or Colonel Roshan Kannangara at 0766907146.
The government is actively coordinating efforts to alleviate the impact of the disaster and ensure the safety and well-being of the affected population.
