Today, the National Disaster Relief Services Centre (NDRSC), part of the Ministry of Defence, unveiled its new digital Compensation Management System and Community Inquiry Mechanism. This initiative, funded by the Government of Norway and supported by UNICEF Sri Lanka and UN Volunteers, represents a significant advancement in providing prompt, transparent, and accessible assistance to communities impacted by Cyclone Ditwah. The launch event took place at the BMICH and was attended by Deputy Defence Minister Major General (Retd) Aruna Jayasekara.
The newly implemented Compensation Management System aims to alleviate the administrative challenges faced by government officials and families affected by disasters. By transitioning from lengthy manual processes to a more efficient digital approach, the system simplifies the submission of compensation claims. For survivors of Cyclone Ditwah, many of whom have experienced the loss of loved ones, homes, and livelihoods, the new system eliminates the necessity of long-distance travel or multiple visits to government offices. Claims can now be submitted online through local Grama Niladhari officers, significantly reducing wait times and enhancing overall efficiency.
In addition, the Community Inquiry Mechanism was also introduced during the launch, allowing for the organized handling of inquiries from affected individuals concerning disaster relief, including compensation, rehabilitation, and resettlement services. Community members can now submit their questions directly to the NDRSC via a QR code or by calling the hotline at 0716 807 807, available on weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., in Sinhala, Tamil, or English.
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Every inquiry will undergo an initial review and be directed to the appropriate national or divisional NDRSC officers for necessary action and follow-up. Each individual submitting a query will receive a unique reference code, enabling them to track the progress of their inquiries through the QR code or hotline.
Namal Liyanage, Senior Assistant Secretary of the NDRSC, emphasized that these digital systems signify a transformative shift in Sri Lanka’s disaster response strategy, greatly enhancing the speed of assistance during emergencies. “In times of crisis, a swift response is essential. These digital solutions equip us with the necessary tools to address the urgent needs of our citizens effectively. We are establishing a new standard for transparency and efficiency in our support for families affected by disasters,” he stated.
This initiative, part of the UN Humanitarian Priorities Plan (HPP), aligns with the national digitalization goals of the Government, aimed at improving service delivery and responsiveness. UNICEF Sri Lanka, which contributed technical expertise for the development of these systems, highlighted the importance of human-centered assistance for communities impacted by disasters.
“Access to timely support is a right, not a privilege, for every family affected. These systems ensure dignity, speed, and fairness, allowing children and their families to begin rebuilding with confidence. They also enhance response efforts by maintaining accountability through timely information sharing and effectively managing community inquiries,” stated Emma Brigham, UNICEF Representative in Sri Lanka.
Sharmalee Jayasinghe, Country Coordinator for UN Volunteers Sri Lanka, noted that the involvement of 34 UN Volunteers was crucial in bringing these systems to life. “From ICT specialists who developed the platforms to community volunteers who collected data across regions, their efforts transformed a digital solution into tangible support,” she remarked.
Future collaborations between the NDRSC, the Welfare Benefits Board, and the Election Commission are expected to further strengthen these initiatives. The digitization of disaster relief services is a pivotal step in modernizing public service delivery, ensuring that assistance reaches those who are most affected. For families recovering from Cyclone Ditwah, this advancement promises quicker support and reduced burdens during a critical time, fostering greater security and hope for the future.
Financial Chronicle Biz English | Sri Lanka Business News.
