TISL calls for strong accountability and transparency in use of public funds for disaster relief

HAVING expressed its deepest condolences to families who have lost loved ones, homes, and livelihoods from Cyclone Ditwah, Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) yesterday called for strong accountability and transparency in the use of public funds for disaster relief.

- 

"Past recovery efforts following national crises and disasters have often been marred by its management, delays, and insufficient transparency and accountability. These lessons underscore the need for rigorous oversight now: public funds mobilised for disaster relief must not become a source of new injustice or inequality," TISL said in a statement.

It welcomed the national address by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, which announced allocations of emergency funds and a commitment to rapid disaster relief and reconstruction. In his address, the President stated that the Government has allocated a reserve of Rs. 30 billion to support urgent relief needs. The President also announced that the expenditure limit per District Secretariat has been increased to Rs. 50 million, while restrictions imposed by previous circulars have been removed to ensure swift and unhindered response across all affected areas.

Additionally, a special fund for the reconstruction of damaged infrastructure has been established, with instructions issued to relevant agencies to initiate fundraising efforts.

Parallel to this, Government officials have been called upon to submit factually accurate Budget estimates to implement a rapid and evidencebased national reconstruction plan.