Displaced families accuse officials of relief delays
Posted on December 29th, 2025
Courtesy Hiru News
Displaced villagers from the Kotmale East region gathered at the Kotmale Divisional Secretariat today (29) to protest the non-payment of promised relief funds and the Rs. 25,000 allowance for house cleaning.
A tense situation arose between the residents and government officials during the visit. Ven. Kalugala Kashyapa Thera, the Chief Incumbent of Karagasthalawa Sugatharama Temple, joined the villagers in stating that the government allowance intended for cleaning flood-affected homes remains unpaid.
The residents further alleged that Grama Niladhari officers in the landslide-prone Kotmale East area failed to visit their divisions for over a month.
The protestors pointed out that despite presidential circulars mandating swift relief, the conduct of officers attached to the Kotmale Divisional Secretariat remains extremely slow.
As the Divisional Secretary was absent, the group met with Assistant Divisional Secretary Thivanka Dasanayake.
He assured the residents that any unintentional errors or delays by the staff would be investigated and rectified immediately. Meanwhile, Ven. Kashyapa Thera noted that the temple continues to function as a camp for the displaced persons who cannot yet return to their homes.