The Kothmale West Divisional Secretariat took a
critical step toward community rehabilitation on April 21, 2026, by
hosting the first phase of the financial relief distribution programme for
families affected by the devastating Cyclone Ditva.
Operating under the direct funding and provisions of the National
Disaster Relief Services Centre (NDRSC) of the Ministry of Defence,
the initiative focused on providing immediate financial backing to residents
whose houses suffered partial structural damages during the cyclone late last
year.
The official distribution ceremony was held at the
Secretariat premises under the patronage of Hon. Anushka Thilakarathne,
Member of Parliament for the Nuwara Eliya District and Chairperson of the
Kothmale West Regional Coordinating Committee.
Phase 1: Direct Financial Mobilization for Housing Repairs
During this initial phase of the disaster relief mechanism,
selected beneficiaries received financial assistance cheques valued up to Rs.
300,000. These state-backed grants are specifically allocated to help
families quickly procure building materials, secure skilled labor, and expedite
the repair of roofs, walls, and foundational structures before the onset of the
next monsoon season.
The transparent disbursement process ensures that affected
families can systematically rebuild their homes and regain structural safety.
Supporting Education: Parallel School Equipment Distribution
Recognizing that natural disasters place immense financial
strain on households, the Secretariat coupled its housing relief efforts with a
thoughtful community outreach project targeted at the younger generation.
Parallel to the cheque distribution, a school equipment
distribution programme was successfully conducted. School children from the
affected families were gifted essential educational packs, including notebooks,
stationery, and school gear. This immediate intervention ensures that children
can continue their classroom education smoothly without their learning being
interrupted by household recovery challenges.
Standing Strong with Our Citizens
The Kothmale West Divisional Secretariat remains deeply
dedicated to managing efficient post-disaster recovery pipelines. By combining
housing infrastructure rehabilitation with direct educational support for
youth, the state machinery ensures a comprehensive, empathetic, and rapid
response to the vulnerabilities faced by our rural communities.
"True governance is measured by how quickly and
effectively we stand by our people in times of crisis. We extend our gratitude
to the Ministry of Defence, the National Disaster Relief Services Centre, our
regional coordinators, and public officers who worked around the clock to
process these relief funds for Kothmale West."
