Kalutara most affected by drought: Minister

Kalutara District was the most affected by the prevailing drought, Disaster Management Minister Anura Priyadarshana Yapa said.

Speaking at a media briefing at the Disaster Management Centre yesterday, the Minister said Rs. 4.52 million was provided to supply drinking water for 13 affected districts, he said.

New bowsers were purchased and 10 were already provided to the Kurunegala and Gampaha districts,” the Minister said.

The Pakistani Government donated 25 MT of rice and a 10,000 MT rice is on the way. Indonesian Government was to donate 5,000 MT of rice and the Indian government will donate eight bowsers, he added.

Victims of the Salawa armoury complex blast received Rs. 1,206.8 as compensations, he said. Rs. 609 million had been granted to provide relief to the victims of the Kegalle earth slip, the Minister said.

Disaster Management Ministry Secretary S. S. Miyanawala participated.