Housing compensation checks for cyclone victims delayed

Distribution of compensation checks worth Rs. 2 million each for families whose homes were destroyed by Cyclone Ditwah is currently underway as part of the first phase of the "Rebuilding Sri Lanka" program. The initiative, inaugurated by the President in Anuradhapura on January 9, targets families in the Rajanganaya Divisional Secretariat to support the construction of new housing.

Recent developments in Rajanganaya have seen opposition members of the Pradeshiya Sabha and representatives of the Rajarata United Farmers’ Federation visit the Divisional Secretariat to report that several issued checks have allegedly bounced. In the absence of the Divisional Secretary, the group held discussions with the Administrative Officer. Following these claims, the Rajanganaya Divisional Secretary convened a press briefing to clarify that payments have been temporarily suspended pending administrative adjustments.

In a separate visit to Galnewa, Minister of Housing, Construction, and Water Supply Dr Susil Ranasinghe inspected the progress of a house for which the President recently laid the foundation stone. During this visit, residents informed the Minister that they had successfully encashed their compensation checks, suggesting that payment issues may be localised or currently being resolved in specific areas.