“We Won’t Ask You to Wait Until 2048”: President Dissanayake Launches Rapid Disaster Recovery Homes in Kurunegala
By Lions Roar News National Desk
KOBEYIGANE, SRI LANKA (January 10, 2026) — President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has assured citizens that the government is committed to a swift recovery for those displaced by recent disasters, stating that his administration will not ask the people to wait decades for a return to normalcy.
Speaking at a ceremony in the Vithikuliya area of Kobeyigane on Friday afternoon, the President launched a major housing and compensation initiative for victims in the Kurunegala District whose homes were completely destroyed in recent calamities.
🏠 ‘Project 5M’ and the ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ Initiative
The event marked a key milestone in the “Rebuilding Sri Lanka” program, specifically under PROJECT 5M. This rapid-response project is designed to provide new housing and financial aid to those whose lives were upended by natural disasters.
- Target Areas: The project covers several Divisional Secretariat divisions including Nikaweratiya, Kobeyigane, Rasnayakapura, Kotavehera, Pannala, Bingiriya, Mahawa, and Wariyapola.
- Safety Certification: New homes are being constructed for families who lost their original dwellings and have received official safety certification confirming that their land is fit for rebuilding.
- Immediate Relief: Along with the commencement of house construction, compensation payments were distributed to affected families during the ceremony.
⏱️ “No Decades-Long Wait”
In a pointed remark regarding previous political promises, President Dissanayake emphasized that his recovery plan is active and results-oriented.
“While we cannot bring back the lives lost to tragedy, the government will provide every possible support to restart broken lives. My goal is to ensure a better standard of living than before the disaster. I will not ask the people to wait until 2048 to see these improvements; our strong program is already successfully moving forward,” the President stated.
He acknowledged that while some expected recovery to take a long time, the government has already succeeded in restoring a significant portion of the country’s public life to normalcy through sheer determination.
🤝 A Call for National Strength
The President extended his gratitude to the Tri-Forces, the state machinery, and all public officials who worked tirelessly during and after the disaster. He concluded the event by inviting all citizens to unite in strengthening the economy so that Sri Lanka is better prepared for any future crises.
Joining the President at the event were:
- Ananda Wijepala (Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs)
- Namal Karunaratne (Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock)
- Kurunegala District Secretary and various regional officials.
