President Anura Kumara Dissanayake announced that families residing in 17,648 homes identified as completely destroyed, partially damaged or designated as unsafe following the recent disaster will receive a monthly allowance of Rs. 50,000 for three months.
The President made the announcement while delivering a statement in Parliament today (19).
Arriving in Parliament to participate in the debate seeking approval for a supplementary estimate of Rs. 500 billion, the President — who also serves as Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development — said the funds are intended to restore livelihoods disrupted by the disaster and rebuild damaged infrastructure.
He revealed that 6,228 houses have been identified as completely damaged, while 4,543 houses have been partially damaged but declared unsafe by the National Building Research Organisation (NBRO).
In addition, the President said 6,877 houses have not sustained structural damage but have nevertheless been designated as unsafe by the NBRO.
“In total, there are 17,648 houses, and as a first step, families living in these homes will be provided with a monthly allowance of Rs. 50,000 from January 2026 for a period of three months,” the President said.
“Because they have no place to live — no home, no place to go — those without a permanent income will be given Rs. 50,000 for three months,” he added.
The allowance is intended to provide immediate relief to families displaced or affected by the disaster while longer-term resettlement and reconstruction measures are being implemented.
