Colombo, December 15 — The Disaster Management Center (DMC) reports that over 20,000 families affected by Cyclone Ditwah are still residing in relief centres across Sri Lanka.
According to the DMC, a total of 70,055 people from 22,522 families are currently accommodated in 762 relief centres nationwide. The largest concentration is in the Kandy district, where 17,437 people from 5,427 families are staying in 222 centres.
Significant numbers are also reported in the Nuwara Eliya and Badulla districts, with 19,750 people from 6,487 families in 206 centres in Nuwara Eliya, and 19,409 people from 6,026 families in 155 centres in Badulla.
Commissioner General of Essential Services, Prabath Chandrakeerthi, stated that efforts are underway to resettle these families within 2–3 months. He noted that while some homes were completely destroyed and others partially damaged, many families are hesitant to return due to unsafe living conditions.
The government is providing a three-month house rent allowance for affected families. For those whose homes were fully destroyed, additional measures are being considered, including financial assistance of Rs. 5 million and allocation of state-owned land, which is currently under review.
Chandrakeerthi emphasized that information on available state land is being collected to expedite the resettlement process and ensure safe and permanent housing for affected families.
