Policy Reforms Raise Concerns Over Delays in Cyclone Recovery

The Government’s push to reform Sri Lanka’s disaster management framework following Cyclone Ditwah has sparked concerns that procedural changes could slow urgent reconstruction and relief efforts.

At the latest National Council for Disaster Management meeting chaired by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, proposals were approved to establish a National Integrated Disaster Management Mechanism, amend the Disaster Management Act, and introduce new data-sharing and coordination systems. While aimed at long-term resilience, critics warn these initiatives may delay rebuilding and resettlement for over 2.2 million affected people.

More than 72,000 individuals remain in temporary shelters, with thousands of homes destroyed or damaged. Even immediate relief measures, including the Rs. 25,000 cleaning allowance, have faced implementation delays.

Observers stress the need to fast-track policy decisions, simplify procedures, and apply emergency exemptions to ensure reforms do not obstruct recovery and the restoration of livelihoods

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