Press briefing of Cabinet Decision taken on 2011-05-11

Guidelines for the provision of relief to the public at disaster and for the restoration of such affected areas

- the disaster situation experienced in the country at the beginning of this year caused a severe impact on essential infrastructure facilities and livelihood of the people in a number of Districts throughout the country. On a proposal made by H.E. the President, Cabinet approval was granted to streamline the process of providing facilities in disaster situations. Implementation of this procedure will be as follows:

* Immediate disaster relief such as cooked meal allowance, dry rations, assistance for kitchen utensils, tools and equipment, expenses for funerals and for injured persons - to be provided by the Ministry of Disaster Management through the District Secretaries, at enhanced rates.

* Disaster rehabilitation relief such as subsidies for cultivation, assistance for self employment and for housing rehabilitation - to be implemented by the Ministry of Economic Development, through the District Secretaries, in consultation with the relevant Ministries such as Agriculture, Housing and Provincial Councils.

* Restoration of major infrastructure - this work will be handled by the respective line Ministries.