5.5 billion sought to resume drought relief programme By S. Rubatheesan and Shaadya Ismail View(s): View(s):With the North East monsoon season not brining enough rain, the Government is seeking Rs 5.5 billion to resume its food relief programme in drought-affected areas, a senior minister said. The food relief programme which was started last year ended in December with the onset of rains. Chithrananda, District Secretary of Puttalam, one of the worst affected districts, said some 40,000 families received food relief during last year’s drought, but a majority of agriculture-dependent families were still in need of food relief. A three-member family received Rs. President Maithripala Sirisena directed relevant ministry officials to provide dry rations to affected families immediately.

Source: Sunday Times January 20, 2018 19:28 UTC