Srilanka

Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa who is also Urban Development and Housing Minister has decided to launch a new housing programme to build a new house in each of the 14,022 villages in the country.The programme undertaken with the assistance of Samurdhi officers will cater to the most poverty stricken family in each village, states a media statement issued by the Urban Development Water Supply and Housing Facilities Ministry. The Prime Minister has directed State Minister Indika Anuruddha to complete the construction of these houses under the ‘Gamata Geyak& vision within the next year.

The Disaster Management Center states 7025 people from across 12 districts are affected by the inclement weather and 3875 people have been moved to safe locations. Tragically 2 lives were lost due to the extreme weather.The Department of Irrigation stated that due to heavy rainfall, the water level of 75 main reservoirs has exceeded 85%; with 42 reservoirs exceeding spill level.

PRESIDENT TOURS FLOOD AFFECTED AREAS: President Gotabaya Rajapaksa listening to flood and disaster victims from Rajangana housed at the Rajangana Tract 2 Dutugemunu Rajamaha Viharaya Premises during his tour of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa yesterday. President Rajapaksa also distributed dry food rations among the families accommodated at the viharaya premises. Viharadhipati. Ven. Mahamankadawala Dhammasiri Thera was also present on the occasion.

A bus swept away by floodwaters in Polonnaruwa has been rescued by the efforts of the security forces and the residents of the area.A private bus transporting passengers from Maduru Oya to Colombo had been swept away by a strong flood current in the Galllella area in Pollonnaruwa, early this morning (21).