The Prime Minister was speaking at a flood relief programme organised by the Housing and Construction Ministry.

The Housing and Construction Ministry under the guidance of Minister Sajith Premadasa handed over a stock of rice worth about Rs 4.5 million to the Disaster Management authorities at Temple Trees yesterday, for distribution among flood affected people.

The Prime Minister said all donations received from foreign and local agencies were being effectively coordinated by the Disaster Management Ministry.

Prime Minister Wickremesinghe also appreciated the efforts of the President, Government, MPs, Tri-Force personnel, Police, public servants and volunteer organizations to assist the during and after the disaster.

Minister Premadasa said all employees of his Ministry and its affiliated institutions had donated their day’s wage for the relief measures for flood affected people. He said his ministry is ready to approach the disaster affected people and help them.

“Some criticise the Government highlighting the weaknesses in the disaster relief distribution. I ask them why they could not install the Doppler radar machine brought to the country in 2011 spending Rs 260 million for many long years. However, the Japanese Government has agreed to provide two Doppler radar machines to Sri Lanka free of charge. We will install these machines within two years,” he said.

Disaster Management Minister Anura Priyadarshana Yapa said disaster preparedness in the country should be improved. He said new technology must be introduced for disaster management.(CDN)