SLRCS helps drought affected

Priyanka Kurugala

Sri Lanka Red Cross Society (SLRCS) spent Rs 20 million to provide relief to the drought affected in seven districts during the last three months, Deputy Director General Sudath Madugalle said.

Under this programme, 5,000 families were provided safe drinking water through improved water storage, through water tanks and containers, he said.

Around 100,000 children in 250 schools were provided safe drinking water through water tanks, he said.

In addition, 1,400 families received Rs 10 million for livelihood support, he added. According to the Deputy Director General, this programme was launched covering Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Puttalam, Kurunegala, Moneragala and Mannar districts.

Around 16 Divisional Secretariats Divisions, 37 Grama Niladhari Divisions and 280 schools were included in this list, he said.

SLRCS allocated 70 trained volunteers in affected districts to conduct assessments, identify and select beneficiaries, he explained.

With the support of local government institutions and targeted communities, the SLRCS reached affected geographical locations, he added.