Units to save victims of disasters
Groups consisting of trained personnel will be established to search
and save the people in the event of disasters and other emergencies. The
matter was discussed at the fifth meeting of the Disaster Management
National Council at Temple Trees yesterday under the auspices of
President Mahinda Rajapaksa.
|
The fifth meeting of the Disaster Management National
Council was held under the patronage of President Mahinda
Rajapaksa at Temple Trees yesterday. Prime Minister D.M.
Jayaratne, Northern Province Governor Major General G.A.
Chandrasiri, Ministers Nimal Siripala de Silva, John
Senevirathne, Pavithra Wanniarachchi, Chandrasiri Gajadeera,
Provincial Council’s Chief Minister’s Berty Premalal
Dissanayake, Shashindra Rajapaksa, Prasanna Ranatunge,
Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunga and Secretary
to the Disaster Management Ministry S.M. Mohamed
participated. |
The President emphasized the need for training specialist groups to
be deployed at district and national levels in the event of disasters.
It was disclosed that the Asian region is affected most in natural
disasters. Disaster Management National Council Director General Gamini
Hettiarachchi said more than one million people in Sri Lanka have been
displaced during January and February in natural disasters such as
floods and landslides.
The President pointed out the need for legislation and control to
prevent the construction of houses in risky areas. Certificates of
suitability will be issued to minimize the harm caused by the
construction of buildings without an evaluation. The National Disaster
Management Policy has been submitted to the cabinet for approval.
A road map has bene launched to make Sri Lanka a safe country through
disaster management, an officer said.
Action has been taken to provide dry rations, food and other
facilities during the recent floods and landslides, concerned ministers
said.
President’s attention was focused on the damaged caused by thunder
storms Disaster Management Minister Mahinda Amaraweera said a programme
has been launched by the Disaster Management National Council to make
the people aware of the measures to be taken to prevent disasters. |
