Video: False promises of drought relief
More than 150000 families are suffering due to the prevailing drought in several areas in the country but it is revealed the government, instead of taking any productive measures, is carrying out false propaganda to deceive the people. One such false information spread is that funds have been allocated by the Ministry of Finance to give relief to those affected by the drought.
No information has been given out regarding how much has been allocated and when they were allocated. The website of the Ministry doesn’t give any information regarding this either. This is further confirmed when it is found out by the media that people have not received any drought relief. Despite it has been announced that Ministry of Finance had allocated funds, the Ministry of Disaster Management has not received any extra money for such spending.
The whole amount allocated for the Ministry of Disaster management for this year is Rs.2730 million. However, the Ministry of Economic Development has, through supplementary estimates, allotted Rs.6630 million during the past 4 months alone. This money has been obtained to settle spending for ‘Dayata Kirula’ exhibition. According to government announcement a family affected by the drought is to be paid a monthly allowance of Rs.6000. However, those who are affected by the drought will have to engage in various voluntary (shramadana) projects to get this money.
Weather experts had warned that Sri Lanka would have to undergo a period of a long drought due to ‘El Niño’ conditions affecting the country. However, the government has not made any plans to confront the situation.