Progress of Restoration of Social Infrastructure Damaged by Cyclone Ditwah Reviewed
The subcommittee established under the ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ Presidential Task Force convened for its fifth meeting on the 20th of July at the Presidential Secretariat to review the progress of restoring social infrastructure damaged by Cyclone Ditwah. The meeting was chaired by the Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment, Dr Upali Pannilage.
Extensive discussions were held on the reconstruction of infrastructure damaged by Cyclone Ditwah and on addressing the challenges encountered during the rebuilding process.
Minister Dr Upali Pannilage pointed out that the subcommittee is responsible for monitoring and reporting to the main committee on the progress of restoring various categories of social infrastructure during the post-disaster period, including education, healthcare, cultural infrastructure and public amenities. He emphasised that the subcommittee also has the responsibility of ensuring that existing issues are resolved promptly and of providing policymakers with the necessary information to facilitate policy decisions whenever required.
Particular attention was given to the provinces most severely affected by the disaster. During the meeting, Chief Secretaries of the respective provinces joined virtually to present updates on the progress of infrastructure restoration in their provinces, while Commissioners of Local Government provided progress reports on the restoration of public amenities through the online platform.
Among those who attended the meeting were Secretary to the Subcommittee and Additional Secretary to the President J. R. C. Jayatilaka; Secretary to the Ministry of Education Nalaka Kaluwewa; Secretary to the Ministry of Buddhasasana Prince Senadheera; Secretary to the Ministry of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment Sampath Manthrinayake; Additional Secretary to the Ministry of Health and Mass Media Salinda Bandara; Chief Secretary of the Uva Province Anusha Gokula Fernando; Secretary to the Finance Commission A. T. M. U. D. B. Thennakoon; Director of the Department of National Budget Lakshika Senarathna; and several other government officials.
