Sitting of Wednesday, 21 January 2026
Source: Hansard PDF (parliament.lk) ↗ ·No. 23242 ·English daily/uncorrected Hansard
Order of business
Speeches load per item. Summaries shown here are AI-generated and labelled; verbatim text is on each speech page.
- 1 Opening Opening and Speaker's Certificate 5 speeches
- 2 Procedural Oral Answers to Questions - Procedural matter 1 speeches
- 3 Procedural Point of Order - Question allocation fairness (Standing Order 32) 11 speeches
- 4 Oral question Oral Question No. 2 (812/2025) - Prison overcrowding 7 speeches
- 5 Oral question Oral Question No. 3 (1009/2025) - Government reparations and compensation 7 speeches
- 6 Oral question Oral Question No. 6 (1222/2025) - Aswesuma welfare benefits 10 speeches
- 7 Procedural Procedural matters - Supplementary questions and Standing Orders dispute 67 speeches
- 8 Procedural Second Round of Oral Questions and Standing Order clarification 36 speeches
- 9 Procedural Motion to amend sitting hours and Select Committee appointment 4 speeches
- 10 Adjournment Adjournment Debate: Post-Cyclone "Ditwah" Situation (Part 1) 23 speeches
- 11 Adjournment Adjournment Debate: Post-Cyclone "Ditwah" Situation (Part 2) 57 speeches
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Hon. Rauff Hakeem urged that post-cyclone reconstruction be made resilient to future disasters, highlighting severe coastal erosion in Ampara and the Eastern Province affecting burial grounds, fisheries infrastructure, and heritage mosques, and calling for increased funding, permanent revetments, groynes, and alternative burial land. He cited damage to irrigation bunds, roads, and paddy fields in Batticaloa and requested urgent repairs, particularly to the breached Kaluwamadu bund. He also raised delays and confusion in compensation schemes in Mutur and Kandy, including ambiguity over housing damage categories, kitchen repair payments, and small-business grants, and asked the Government to clarify circulars so officials can disburse assistance promptly.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe - Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB
AI summary During the debate on recovery from the “@OOo” cyclone, the Deputy Minister said the Government’s priority was to restore affected industries and businesses, with over 90 per cent of large industries resuming within one to two weeks after road, power and water services were restored. He outlined Ministry actions including a dedicated Disaster Management Centre, use of floodsupport.org to collect business data, Rs. 200,000 grants for MSMEs, and a target to pay 6,370 agency-linked beneficiaries by 31 January. He also cited Central Bank moratoria, subsidized credit facilities, a Rs. 10 billion on-lending scheme, a corporate-supported Industry Recovery Foster Programme, and plans for machinery replacement support, credit guarantees, risk management, insurance, and a national industrial resilience plan.
- The Hon. (Mrs.) Rohini Kumari Wijerathna SJB
AI summary Rohini Kumari Wijerathna raised a brief point of order, noting that her name had been mentioned while she was not present in the Chamber.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe JJB
AI summary Chathuranga Abeysinghe made a brief remark indicating that a name he had mentioned could not realistically be avoided. No substantive policy argument, proposal, or procedural demand was made in the excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Mrs.) Rohini Kumari Wijerathna SJB
AI summary Hon. Rohini Kumari Wijerathna responded to references to her father’s political role, stating that past disaster resettlement in Udasiyapattuwa and Etanwala had been carried out through proper procedures by relocating affected people to Nochchiyagama. She called for a similarly structured resettlement process and better future disaster preparedness, emphasizing that the issue should not be used for political attacks.
- The Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe JJB
AI summary Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe stated that unsafe settlements and unauthorized constructions remain a long-term consequence of inadequate planning. He outlined measures to revive industries affected by recent damage, including the IRFP to connect major enterprises with 200 affected industries, Industrial Development Board assessments for machinery replacement, possible tax relief, and UNDP-supported guarantee and risk systems. He also called for a national approach to flood insurance, especially for riverbank businesses, and for embedding risk management and business continuity planning in industrial development.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney-at-Law SLPP
AI summary Namal Rajapaksa criticised the Government’s disaster response, questioning the absence of timely alerts, delays in action, and alleged discrepancies between compensation promised in Parliament and amounts offered to affected families. He urged the newly approved Select Committee to examine accountability among relevant officials and ministries, and asked for clear data on alternative land and compensation provided to displaced people, especially in areas such as Nuwara Eliya, Kandy and Matale. He also alleged selective enforcement of the law in several unrelated incidents and called on the Government to implement a practical programme to resettle victims, restore damaged agricultural lands, and pay promised relief without making local officials scapegoats.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. M.K.M. Aslam JJB
AI summary M.K.M. Aslam clarified that the President’s disaster assistance programme provides an initial Rs. 50,000 and up to Rs. 250,000 for partially damaged houses after assessment, and Rs. 500,000 for fully damaged houses, rejecting claims of a Rs. 1 million entitlement. He contrasted the current natural disaster response with past man-made crises and said the Government plans to strengthen the Meteorology Department, NBRO and DMC with modern technology and funding. Citing severe losses from the 2025 Ditva cyclone, especially in Kurunegala and Ridigama, he praised the coordinated work of officials, political authorities, NGOs and revised procedures that enabled faster relief and reconstruction, while noting the need for over 20,000 new or relocated houses. He also raised the appointment of the Consul General in Jeddah, stating that Muslim Government MPs had asked the Foreign Minister to appoint a Muslim candidate because of Hajj-related responsibilities.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Namal Karunaratne - Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock JJB
AI summary The Deputy Minister reported extensive cyclone damage, including deaths, missing persons, housing losses, and damage to irrigation infrastructure, and said restoration and compensation work had begun with official and volunteer support. He rejected claims of impending food shortages and said the Government had expanded agricultural compensation beyond previous schemes, paying Rs. 60,000 per acre and covering vegetables and fruits as well as traditional crops, with remaining payments expected to be completed shortly. He also criticized past governments’ handling of farmer payments and disaster relief, while stating that damaged tanks, anicuts and canals would be repaired and that current relief funds were being directed to affected people.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees procedural
- The Hon. Jeevan Thondaman UNP
AI summary Hon. Jeevan Thondaman said the Government had ignored an action plan submitted by estate civil organizations after the “Ditva” disaster and had failed to provide alternative land or housing for affected Hill Country families, instead allowing people to be sent back to unsafe estate houses. He urged land ownership through deeds for estate families, arguing that allocating a small portion of estate land would be more feasible than relying only on housing schemes, and questioned the shifting and understaffing of the Norwood Divisional Secretariat. He welcomed the Cabinet decision on a Rs. 1,750 daily wage but said it fell short of earlier promises and was being undermined by plantation companies increasing daily plucking targets, thereby reducing the benefit to workers.
- Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees
AI summary Hon. E.M. Basnayaka was recognized by the Deputy Chairperson of Committees and allocated eight minutes to speak.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Hon. E.M. Basnayaka JJB
AI summary Hon. E.M. Basnayaka defended the Government’s post-Cyclone “Michaung” relief response, citing payment figures for cleaning grants and other assistance and outlining compensation for damaged housing, school supplies, farmers, household items, and small and medium industries. He said housing reconstruction and relocation are proceeding based on NBRO assessments of safe land, with efforts to keep affected families within their communities where possible, despite delays caused by shortages of technical officers. Referring particularly to Kandy District, he noted extensive damage including 243 deaths and 173 damaged schools, and urged Members not to politicise disaster relief.
- Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees
AI summary The Deputy Chairperson of Committees called on Hon. Ruwanthilaka Jayakody to speak and informed him that he had eight minutes.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Hon. Ruwanthilaka Jayakody JJB
AI summary Hon. Ruwanthilaka Jayakody said Cyclone “Michaung” caused severe damage and loss of life, and that the Government mobilised administrative officials and relevant agencies for the response. He rejected claims of inadequate warnings, explaining that the cyclone formed close to Sri Lanka, moved slowly across the island, and was monitored through the Department of Meteorology, the Irrigation Department, and regional systems including the RSMC in New Delhi. He argued that Sri Lanka should strengthen disaster preparedness through investment in equipment, data and technical capacity, noting that climate change is intensifying extreme weather and that rebuilding livelihoods remains a priority.
- Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees
AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) Chamindranee Kiriella, Attorney-at-Law, was called to speak next and allocated seven minutes.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Hon. (Mrs.) Chamindranee Kiriella, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) Chamindranee Kiriella welcomed the Adjournment Motion on Cyclone Michaung relief and questioned the adequacy and fairness of government assistance in the Kandy District. Citing District Secretariat data, she said only 65 per cent of the Rs. 25,000 cleaning grant had been paid, with significant shortfalls also in payments for household items and schoolchildren, and tabled related documents. She alleged politicisation in the distribution process in some areas, called for expedited NBRO assessments for affected families, and urged that CEB losses from the cyclone not be passed on to electricity consumers.
- Hon. E.M. Basnayaka JJB
AI summary Hon. E.M. Basnayaka corrected figures cited by another Member regarding disaster-related payments, stating that as of 16 January, 399,978 beneficiaries had been approved and 96.15 per cent paid under the Rs. 25,000 cleaning grant, amounting to Rs. 9,614.25 million. He added that under the Rs. 50,000 item replacement grant, 8,409 beneficiaries had been approved and 7,083 paid, and requested that updated information be obtained from proper sources.
Public Finance Full speech → - Hon. (Mrs.) Chamindranee Kiriella, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) Chamindranee Kiriella stated that her office had received updated beneficiary documents as of 19 January, but the recorded payments extended only up to 31 December. She said officials informed them that no payments had been made after that date and suggested that information may not have been shared fully with Opposition MPs, while noting that she was relying on the figures provided.
Public Finance Full speech → - Hon. (Mrs.) Samanmali Gunasinghe JJB
AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) Samanmali Gunasinghe responded to an allegation of “family politics,” rejecting comparisons involving her party’s General Secretary and stating that her own political position was earned through her work rather than inheritance. She urged Members not to use parliamentary time for unverified claims and to present accurate, updated information.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Hon. (Mrs.) Chamindranee Kiriella, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) Chamindranee Kiriella stated that both she and her father held electoral mandates directly from voters, emphasizing her father’s 36 years in elected office. She contrasted this with Members who entered Parliament through the National List.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees
AI summary The Deputy Chairperson of Committees called on Hon. (Mrs.) Anushka Thilakarathne, Attorney-at-Law, to speak next and informed her that she had eight minutes for her speech.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Hon. (Mrs.) Anushka Thilakarathne, Attorney-at-Law JJB
AI summary As of 21 January 2026, Rs. 45.7 billion had been released through District Secretariats to Divisional Secretariats for disaster relief, contradicting claims that no funds were released. Hon. Anushka Thilakarathne detailed relief measures in Nuwara Eliya, including compensation for 55 deaths, cleaning grants, item replacement assistance, and school support, and said temporary shelter and 212 acres for resettlement were being arranged. She rejected allegations concerning the Kotmale reservoir and political appointments, challenged critics to file cases if evidence exists, and urged that the disaster response not be politicised.
- Hon. Presiding Member
AI summary The Presiding Member called on Hon. (Prof.) A.H.M.H. Abayarathna, Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government, to speak and informed him he had 12 minutes. The Presiding Member then requested that a Member propose Hon. (Mrs.) Sagarika Athawuda to take the Chair.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Hon. (Dr.) Dammika Patabendi - Minister of Environment JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Dammika Patabendi moved that Hon. (Mrs.) Sagarika Athawuda take the Chair during the proceedings. The motion was agreed to, after which the Deputy Chairperson of Committees left the Chair and Hon. Athawuda assumed it.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - Hon. (Prof.) A.H.M.H. Abayarathna - Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government JJB
AI summary Hon. (Prof.) A.H.M.H. Abayarathna rejected claims that the Government ignored disaster forecasts, citing Disaster Relief Service Guidelines No. 01/2025, which he said had established advance procedures and empowered district and divisional officials to act immediately. He stated that relief was handled through formal grama, divisional and district committees rather than party organisers, and that Opposition Members could participate in District Coordinating Committees. He reported progress on restoring roads, clarified that Divisional Secretaries had not threatened withdrawal, and said 525 deaths had been legally confirmed with compensation payments under way, while housing assistance would be based on damage assessments and unsafe sites would not be used for resettlement.
- Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva questioned whether the “Rebuilding Sri Lanka Fund” for post-Michaung resettlement and infrastructure restoration had been legally established, despite government communications stating it was under the Presidential Secretariat. He asked the Government to table the legal instrument creating the Fund, arguing that public funds require statutory authority, parliamentary approval, and auditability. He further raised concerns about monies being directed to a Deputy Secretary to the Treasury account and called for the Fund to be properly constituted and submitted for audit.
- Hon. Ajith Gihan JJB
AI summary Hon. Ajith Gihan said the Government had responded to Cyclone Michaung through staged relief measures, including food assistance, cash grants for cleaning and household items, and plans for house reconstruction. He highlighted land identification challenges for resettlement, citing alleged illegal occupation of state land in Puttalam, and said 100 acres had been reserved for permanent housing for families affected by flooding in Sinnanaguwillu. He detailed the scale of damage in Puttalam District, including affected families, destroyed and damaged houses, schoolchildren needing assistance, and fisheries losses, and outlined compensation allocations and payment rates for damaged boats and fishing gear. He also stated that damaged rail infrastructure had been restored, procedures were being set for housing payments, and called for the recovery process to proceed without politicisation, fraud, or waste.
- Hon. K. Sujith Sanjaya Perera SJB
AI summary Hon. K. Sujith Sanjaya Perera disputed government claims that most Cyclone Michaung relief payments had been made, saying progress was not evident in Yatiyantota and other affected areas. He defended the Opposition Leader’s actions, citing early warnings, calls for emergency mobilisation, efforts to seek international support, and donations of medical equipment to affected hospitals. He urged the Government to ensure timely rental payments for high-risk displaced families, expedite land identification and housing, and allow estate workers to be resettled on suitable land outside estates if necessary.
- Hon. (Dr.) Dammika Patabendi - Minister of Environment JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Dammika Patabendi rejected claims that the Government lacked a clear disaster response programme, citing payment data for household item grants in Yatiyantota and Kegalle and actions taken before and after the disaster. He tabled an interim Environment Ministry report on flood, landslide, coastal erosion, mangrove and forest damage, with a fuller assessment due within six months, and outlined restoration and coastal clean-up measures. He also addressed Ambuluwawe, stating that rebuilding in hazardous areas requires NBRO clearance and that the CEA had halted cable car-related construction pending approvals, while tabling Auditor General observations alleging procurement irregularities and conflicts of interest. He added that national parks, botanical gardens and related facilities were reopened quickly to support the tourism season.
- Hon. B. Ariyawansha SJB
AI summary Hon. B. Ariyawansha referred to the damage from Cyclone Michaung, including loss of life, damage to paddy lands and businesses, and significant impacts in Ratnapura District. He cited specific figures for affected families, people, GN divisions, and landslides, and highlighted the Kaelikanda landslide in Kolonna DS. He urged authorities not to limit action to the three houses classified as high risk by the NBRO, but to undertake broader mitigation and resettlement planning for vulnerable clusters where a larger slope failure could endanger many homes.
- The Hon. B. Ariyachchi
AI summary Hon. B. Ariyachchi raised concerns that disaster-affected families had received only Rs. 25,000 despite earlier assurances of higher compensation, citing cases in Pupuketiya, Godakawela, and Onaya where damaged houses and landslide-risk families remain inadequately assisted. He argued that risk assessments have excluded some households in vulnerable areas and called for a special programme to provide safer land, including through estates or private acquisition. He also stated that the Opposition and its local representatives assisted affected communities during the cyclone, and urged the Government to use disaster funds for permanent housing, livelihood restoration, business support, and employment rather than repeated camp-based relief.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Sellaththamby Thilaganathan JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Sellaththamby Thilaganathan referred to the damage caused by the “Ditva” cyclone, thanked government officials and the armed forces for rescue work, and noted the deaths of five Navy personnel during rescue operations near Mullaitivu. He said the Northern Province continues to face long-standing challenges and focused on the deterioration of education standards, alleging poor administration and inequitable distribution of resources despite support from the President and Prime Minister. He criticized teacher transfer arrangements in the Vanni, stating that many replacement teachers failed to report and that vulnerable students were affected, and called for responsible officials to be removed and competent officials appointed to improve education and economic development in the North.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Gamagedara Dissanayake - Deputy Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs JJB
AI summary Gamagedara Dissanayake criticized Opposition MPs for allegedly politicizing the Ditva cyclone relief debate and leaving the House after raising criticisms. He defended the Government’s disaster response, citing the President’s announced Rs. 25,000 allowance, interventions by officials and security forces, and actions taken in Matale District, while rejecting allegations of poor management. He said over 1,300 damaged religious sites, including temples, kovils, churches and devales, had been identified by his Ministry, categorized by level of damage, and would be rebuilt through a programme to be launched with the President’s involvement.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Rohana Bandara
AI summary Rohana Bandara argued that post-cyclone relief was undermined by mismanagement, including alleged failures to act on Met Department warnings, reservoir release decisions, and delays in issuing circulars needed for compensation payments. He demanded that procedural obstacles be resolved and affected people paid promptly, while criticizing reductions in promised housing assistance. He also defended media coverage and Opposition relief efforts, including rescues and hospital support programmes, and rejected government accusations over education reforms, claiming delays in Grade 6 materials resulted from the government’s handling of the reform modules.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Prof.) A-H.M.H. Abayarathna
AI summary Hon. (Prof.) A-H.M.H. Abayarathna moved that Hon. (Prof.) Sena Nanayakkara take the Chair. The motion was agreed to, after which Hon. (Mrs.) Sagarika Athauda left the Chair and Hon. (Prof.) Sena Nanayakkara assumed it.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. R.M. Jayawardhana - Deputy Minister of Trade, Commerce and Food Security JJB
AI summary The Deputy Minister addressed the Adjournment Motion on the aftermath of the “8960”/“Ditva” cyclone, arguing that the Government and public institutions responded actively despite rapidly changing weather conditions and the severity of the event. He cited damage in Moneragala District, including 38 fully destroyed houses, 542 partially damaged houses and four deaths, and said district officials, security forces and other agencies coordinated relief and mitigation efforts from 26–27 November. He rejected Opposition claims of unpreparedness, defended the Meteorological Department’s advisories, and criticised Opposition MPs from the district for not participating in local coordination meetings while later raising complaints in Parliament.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam ITAK
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam urged a collective, non-partisan response to the post-“Ditva” disaster situation, citing the Rajanganaya bus flood tragedy and questioning whether responsibility should extend beyond the driver to water management, police, the employer, and disaster management authorities. He then objected to the Cabinet-approved restart of the Kivul Oya reservoir project in Vavuniya, arguing that its planned water benefits and land releases would primarily serve Mahaweli settler communities while affecting ancestral lands, tanks, and fields of local communities in Vavuniya and Mullaitivu. He asked the Government whether the project contradicted pledges to prevent demographic engineering and protect minority land and economic rights, and tabled related project documents.
- The Hon. Fasmin Sharif JJB
AI summary Hon. Fasmin Sharif thanked communities, religious institutions and NGOs for assistance after Cyclone “Ditva” affected Kandy District, particularly Gampola, and rejected allegations that he and the Government had failed to respond. He disputed Opposition claims on relief payments, stating that most Rs. 25,000 and Rs. 50,000 payments had been made, with additional support planned for damaged houses, lost livestock and businesses. He also said Gampola town waste clearance was about 90 per cent complete, defended plans to bring Ambuluwawa under State control for development, and urged MPs to use accurate information when speaking about disaster relief.
- The Hon. (Mrs.) Chamindranee Kiriella, Attorney-at-Law SJB
AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) Chamindranee Kiriella responded to remarks concerning figures she had tabled, stating that her office obtained them from the District Secretariat the previous day and that she had no reason to submit false data. She questioned whether incorrect documents had been provided to Opposition MPs and objected to comments about her vote count, saying no Member had the right to disparage those who voted for her.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Fasmin Sharif JJB
AI summary Fasmin Sharif challenged remarks attributed to another Member, questioning whether officials were providing information intended to embarrass the Government. He also asked about Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe’s family connection to a Cabinet Minister and cautioned against making statements that could put the Government in difficulty.
- The Hon. J.C. Alawathuwala SJB
AI summary Hon. J.C. Alawathuwala criticized Government members for focusing on attacks on the Opposition during a disaster debate rather than explaining relief measures undertaken. He defended the Opposition Leader’s “Husma” programme, citing medical equipment donations to several flood- and cyclone-affected hospitals, and said Opposition representatives had provided food and essentials to isolated villages in Kurunegala. He questioned the Government’s disaster preparedness and water management, referring to heavy-rain forecasts, Kotmale and Deduru Oya operations, and called for examination of failures and implementation of the President’s promised assistance programmes.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Madhura Senevirathna - Deputy Minister of Education and Higher Education JJB
AI summary Deputy Minister Madhura Senevirathna said the 8561 cyclone affected over 2.2 million people and identified poor land-use planning, settlements on steep slopes and blocked natural water flows as key causes of landslide risk, pledging that resettlement and rebuilding would follow proper land-use plans. He stated that the Government had a Rs. 500 billion disaster recovery cash buffer and outlined education-sector impacts, including 1,682 affected schools, 822,000 students and 48,700 staff, with measures such as student grants, temporary learning arrangements, relaxed uniform rules, digital lessons through e-Thaksalawa and revised academic schedules. He said longer-term plans include reconstruction of 101 schools, intensive development of 36 severely damaged schools, repairs to 30 TVET institutions and assistance to higher education facilities, including the University of Peradeniya. He also noted student contributions to relief and cleanup efforts and said the Examinations Department ensured examination materials were protected and exams continued without incident.
- The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake - Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development and the Leader of the House of Parliament JJB
AI summary The Minister rejected Opposition allegations that the Government ignored prior warnings or mishandled reservoir management during the “BOO” cyclone, arguing that forecasts were not sufficiently specific and that such operational decisions involve scientific, social and political considerations. He stated that the Government had moved from rescue to rebuilding, coordinated state agencies, the public and the armed forces, and minimized malpractice in relief efforts. He cited public donations to the “Rebuilding Sri Lanka” process, land donations, and international recognition as evidence of confidence in the response, while accusing some Opposition figures of politicizing the disaster and opposing government reforms.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Hector Appuhamy SJB
AI summary Hector Appuhamy argued that the Opposition had supported disaster relief efforts, including through the Leader of the Opposition’s appeals to foreign governments, ambassadors and Sri Lankans overseas, while retaining its right to criticize the Government. He alleged irregularities in the distribution of Rs. 25,000 and Rs. 50,000 relief payments, including payments in areas not affected by flooding, and said details could be provided. He called on the Government to present a clear disaster-response plan to Parliament for future emergencies and criticized what he described as ad hoc implementation in areas such as education reforms. He also questioned the Government’s handling of unresolved matters including the Easter Sunday attacks, the “Sara Jasmine” issue, the 323 containers case and issues relating to medicines.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Major General (Retd.) Aruna Jayasekera - Deputy Minister of Defence JJB
AI summary Deputy Minister of Defence Aruna Jayasekera defended the Government’s post-“Ditcha” cyclone response, saying relief and recovery are being implemented through the National Council for Disaster Management and a Post-Disaster Needs Assessment process involving relevant state agencies and international-standard methodologies. He attributed the scale of damage partly to long-term environmental and governance failures, and said the current Government has appointed subject specialists to manage recovery across sectors such as environment, agriculture, irrigation, highways and urban development. He stated that compensation for deaths, property damage, livelihoods and infrastructure is being handled systematically, while acknowledging possible delays and shortcomings. He also said the NBRO had completed inspections of 24,930 fully damaged houses in landslide-affected areas within seven weeks despite limited staff, including with university support.