Government Completes Education Aid Payments

COLOMBO (News 1st); The government has completed the distribution of educational assistance provided to students affected by the Ditwah Cyclone, according to Essential Services Commissioner General Prabath Chandrakeerthi.

He stated that educational aid worth Rs. 15,000 each has been granted to 3,000 students whose schooling was disrupted by the disaster. 

He added that the authorities are currently reviewing the appeals submitted regarding the assistance programme.

In parallel, the government has also concluded the disbursement of the Rs. 25,000 grant allocated for the cleaning and restoration of cyclone‑damaged homes.

The Commissioner General confirmed that all payments have now been completed, and that further appeals related to this scheme are also under assessment.

Chandrakirthi noted that the government is now taking steps to provide monthly rental assistance to families who lost their homes and are currently living in temporary rented accommodation.

Additionally, he said that suitable lands have already been identified for the construction of permanent housing for families whose homes were completely destroyed. 

These lands have been submitted to the National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) for evaluation and approval to ensure safety and suitability before housing construction begins.