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M.R.M. Niyas, Hambantota special correspondent

The Minister of Social Welfare Ravindra Samaraweera addressing the launching of drought relief program initiated by the Sri Lanka Red Cross Society (SLRCS) on Sunday said that the Government, is finding a long term solution to ease the drought situation in the Hambantota district. It has prevailed for the last 2 years or more, resulting in the life pattern of the masses of this district, being adversely affected. A Cabinet sub-committee is studying the situation and will make recommendation to the Prime Minister. He said as a long term solution to this burning problem a feasibility study is being done to divert a part of water from Uma Oya through a trans-basin canal from Etampitiya to Kirindi-Oya to feed the Lunugamvehera reservoir. This will eventually solve the problem of irrigating the farming lands in these areas and finding drinking water.

Minister Samaraweera said, that the SLRCS has pledged to spend a sum of Rs. 120 million to provide relief assistance and initiate a drinking water program for the well being of the people of this district. The Government is also studying the ways and means of setting up a sea water purification project as remedial action to ease the drinking water difficulties.

He said, we must be thankful to the SLRCS for providing dry rations for nearly 4,000 families covering the Lunugamvehera, Hambantota and Sooriyawewa Divisional Secretariat areas for nine months. It is important to find possible ways to reduce the adverse effects of the drought. Therefore the Government has decided to focus its attention to encourage the masses in the drought affected areas to engage in the rehabilitation of minor reservoirs, canals and construction of agro-wells to prepare the rain-water tanks to receive the rain just before the next rainy season. In exchange for the work done by the people, the Government would provide a package of dry rations on a monthly basis. This food for work program is appreciated by the people and they are willingly take part in the development activities, Minister Samaraweera said.

President, SLRCS Jagath Abeysinghe said, for the last two years SLRCS is providing humanitarian assistance for the drought affected people of Hambantota district. This time a sum of Rs. 36 million will be spent to provide relief assistance. Funds were also allocated to supply drinking water for the people. It is our main hope that there should be a long term solution to counter the drought in the Hambantota district.

Government Agent, Hambantota district Ananda Amaratunga and Hambantota district MP Dilip Wedaarachchi also spoke.

Hambantota district Secretary of the SLRCS K.H. Premathilaka delivered the welcome speech, while a resident of worst affected area proposed the vote of thanks. 

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