Disaster Relief Allowance Scheme Announced

COLOMBO (News 1st) - The Ministry of Defence has issued a circular outlining special daily allowances for government officials who actively contributed to managing disaster situations across the country.

According to the circular, the scheme has been in effect since November 21, 2025.

Officials engaged in disaster relief operations will receive daily allowances of Rs. 2,500, Rs. 2,000, Rs. 1,600, Rs. 1,400, and Rs. 800, depending on their respective service levels.

Grama Niladhari officials directly working in disaster-affected areas will receive Rs. 1,500 per day, while those deployed from non-disaster areas to assist relief efforts will receive Rs. 1,000 per day.

The allowance will only be paid to officers who work continuously for more than eight hours per day.

The circular further states that officers receiving this special allowance will not be eligible for overtime payments or holiday pay during the relevant period.

If the government provides food or accommodation, a portion of the allowance will be deducted accordingly.

Officials who already receive a Rs. 100 special allowance for monitoring property damage will not be eligible for this disaster-related allowance.

The Ministry emphasized that no officer should be paid twice for the same service, placing responsibility on financial officers and heads of departments to ensure compliance.

All payments must be made under the direct supervision of the relevant District Secretary or Divisional Secretary, while authorities are required to maintain proper records of officers’ names, service periods, and duties performed.

The circular also notes that the necessary funds for these payments must be allocated by the Disaster Management Centre or the relevant ministry.

Authorities say the scheme is intended to ensure that public services during disaster situations are maintained efficiently and transparently.

Meanwhile, government officials involved in disaster relief services, including Grama Niladhari officials, launched a strike yesterday, demanding that these allowances be paid without delay.