The National Disaster Relief Services Centre (NDRSC) has announced a significant increase in the allowance for dry rations for displaced persons, officials said yesterday (30).
Assistant Secretary Jayatissa Munasinghe told the media that the weekly allowance for an individual has been raised from Rs. 1,800 to Rs. 2,100; the weekly support for a family of five has been increased from Rs. 3,600 to Rs. 10,500. Divisional and District Secretaries have been authorised to provide dry rations within the revised limits.
The revisions, made under Circular 1(2025) signed by the Secretary of Defence, follow instructions from the President and reflect the current economic situation as well as the severity of the ongoing disaster.
Munasinghe also highlighted that, following the declaration of an Extended Disaster Situation on 28 November 2025 under Circular 3(2025), Divisional Secretaries are now empowered to carry out procurement activities up to Rs. 50 million without administrative hindrance.
The new directives also allow authorities to directly provide food items tailored to the needs of affected individuals, rather than depositing funds into bank accounts as done previously. Decisions can be made locally through appropriate committees in line with conditions in each area.
The public seeking information or wishing to provide updates on disaster relief services can contact the Disaster Relief Services Centre via: Direct telephone: 011 2665258 or Disaster Management Centre hotline: 117.Munasinghe urged the public to use these channels to stay informed and support relief operations.