Divisional secretaries raise issues regarding Ditwah compensation View(s):By Ishu BandaraThe disaster compensation plan following Cyclone Ditwa is facing many challenges– some arising from circular related issues, others by disagreements among affected people. There are also instances of individuals who were not affected by the disaster also attempting to claim compensation. According to some District Secretaries there have been cases of people trying to falsely claim disaster compensation. The Sri Lanka Association of Divisional Secretaries and Assistant Divisional Secretaries (SLADA), in a letter dated January 8, 2026, to the Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, highlighted administrative difficulties in paying compensation for damaged houses. It also warns that paying compensation for unauthorised buildings on state-protected land could lead to legal issues and violate existing property laws.

Source: Sunday Times January 11, 2026 08:28 UTC