Ministry of Defence  – Media Centre

State Minister of Defence Hon. Premitha Bandara Tennakoon made an observation tour to the disaster-affected areas following the prevailing adverse weather conditions yesterday (Oct 8) in Matara district.

Necessary measures have already been taken by the government to assist the disaster-affected community and relief teams including military forces have been dispatched to respective areas for disaster relief duties.

Minister Tennakoon visited the Army food processing centres established to supply food for disaster-affected people in Malimbada and Matara areas and he assessed existing challenges. He also motivated troops who continuously labour in those centres. The troops have already taken necessary steps to supply meals and other needs of the distressed people.

The Minister convened a meeting at Matara District Secretariat with the participation of the Speaker of Parliament Hon. Mahinda Yapa Abeywardana, Hon. Nipuna Ranawaka MP, Matara District Secretary, heads of government institutions and senior military officers from the area to discuss further disaster relief measures.

Minister Tennakoon on the same day inspected the sandbag embankment erected by Sri Lanka Army troops in Athtudawa area to avert flooding. Hon. Mahinda Yapa Abeywardana, Matara District Secretary, heads of government institutions, the General Officer Commanding of 61 Infantry Division, Major General R.A.J.N. Ranasinghe, senior military officers and senior police officers from the area also joined the Minister for the inspection.