The government has decided to implement a medium-term and long-term programme that brings together the public and private sectors to raise funds for the reconstruction of infrastructure facilities, including highways and irrigation systems, damaged by the recent disaster. Sri Lanka Latest News
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake stated that a dedicated fund will be established with contributions from all stakeholders, and that a joint management committee comprising representatives from both the public and private sectors will be appointed—with Cabinet approval—to oversee its operations.
He made these remarks during a discussion with private sector investors held at the Presidential Secretariat last night (30).
The President noted that the destruction caused by floods and landslides is far greater than what is visible on the surface and emphasized that the government cannot rely solely on treasury funds to address the crisis.
President Dissanayake further explained that funds can be sourced through several channels, including domestic contributions, Sri Lankans living abroad, foreign governments, international organisations, and business associations. These responsibilities will be primarily undertaken by the proposed committee.
He also highlighted that the disaster has severely damaged houses, paddy fields, farmlands, highways, bridges, government buildings, schools, and even electricity poles in certain areas, and stressed the need for extensive restoration of road networks destroyed by landslides.
In response, the government has engaged in discussions with the World Bank to prepare a comprehensive report detailing sector-wise damages and the resources required for reconstruction. The World Bank has already been assigned the task of preparing the Global Rapid Post-Disaster Damage Estimation (GRADE), which the government expects to receive within two weeks.
The event was attended by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath; Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning Anil Jayantha Fernando; Governor of the Western Province Hanif Yusup; Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake; Senior Economic Advisor to the President Duminda Hulangamuwa; Secretary to the Ministry of Finance Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma; Senior Additional Secretary to the President Russell Aponsu; Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Sugeeshwara Gunawardena; Chairman of the Helis Group Mohan Pandithage; Chairman of John Keells Krishan Balendran; Dr. Parakrama Dissanayake representing Aitken Spence; and Brandex Group CEO Ashraf Omar.
