Minister meets OIC Heads of Mission

A meeting chaired by External Affairs Minister Prof G L Peiris with the Heads of Mission of the Member States of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) based in Colombo was held at the External Affairs Ministry to discuss relief measures for persons affected by floods. Justice Minister Rauf Hakeem was also present.

Prof Peiris briefed the Heads of Mission on the flood situation and stated that the Government has acted swiftly to assist people affected in the country. However, given the sheer scale of the problem, the Minister requested the assistance of the Member States of the OIC for immediate requirements such as roofing sheets, blankets, temporary shelters, dry rations and water pumps among others.

Minister Hakeem stated that during discussions with President Rajapaksa on the flood situation in the Eastern Province the President had been apprised of the meeting to be held with the Heads of Mission of the OIC.

Disaster Management Ministry Secretary Marina Mohamed made a presentation on the emergency situation. She stated that the initial estimated damage from the flood stands at US $ 500 million. The Government has spent US $ 10 million to provide cooked meals and dry rations for people in all affected areas. The Disaster Management Ministry has released US $ 1.5 million for relief during the three days ending January 12.

The Ambassadors assured the Minister that they would get touch with their Governments and response as early as possible.