The Director-General of Government Information Prof. Ariyaratne Athugala in a media release Tuesday said that the Government has provided Rupees Eight Million to the Government Agents of the Districts that have been affected by the torrential rains which were experienced over the past few days.

These funds will be utilized to provide continuous assistance to the nearly 175,000 people badly affected by the pre-monsoon rains.

The President who was at the time on a visit to Iran to attend the G-15 Heads of State Summit had given clear instructions to the Disaster Management Ministry to provide immediate relief to the rain-affected people.

Accordingly, on Monday the Gampaha, Kalutara and Colombo District Secretaries were provided with Rupees One Million each for the provision of urgent relief.

Gampaha District had the highest number of people affected by torrential rains and the resultant flooding. Yestarday, an additional Rupees Four Million were released to take care of nearly 100,000 people who have been affected in Gampaha District. They were provided with cooked meals, dry rations, and other urgent needs.

It was also reported that more people from many other districts were also affected by the continuous rains. Therefore, in response to the urgent appeals Rupees Five Hundred Thousand were provided to the Ratnapura District Secretary and Rupees Three Hundred Thousand each to Kegalle, Galle and Matara district secretaries on Tuesday.

The flooding caused by heavy rains is now reported to be gradually subsiding but according to weather predictions of the Meteorology Department, there is a likelihood of heavy rains in the next few days.

As a result of the anticipated continuation of pre-monsoon rains, the President who returned to the island Tuesday had called an emergency meeting to discuss measures to be taken to counter any threats and exigencies.