The Hon. Imran Maharoof

¶ 01 Thank you, Hon. Presiding Member. The ‘Ditva’ cyclone and floods severely affected Trincomalee District, especially Muttur, Kinniya, Verugal, Kuchchaveli, and Seruwila DS divisions. After this disaster, the Hon. President announced relief: Rs. 500,000 for fully damaged houses; Rs. 1,000,000 if both house and land were lost; Rs. 250,000 for partially damaged houses; Rs. 25,000 if roof sheets were blown off; Rs. 25,000 for cleaning flooded houses; Rs. 50,000 if essential household goods including kitchen equipment were damaged; Rs. 15,000 for students’ uniforms and school items; and Rs. 20,000 per month for three months for those who lost houses to rent accommodation. However, many affected in Trincomalee have not yet received the due payments.

¶ 02 In Muttur, the Mawilaru anicut breach caused massive flooding and displacement in a single day; people took shelter in schools and suffered. As per the President’s announcement, DS officials and Grama Sevakas have registered the affected and sent lists to the District Secretariat. The total affected families are 9,516; among them, 8,758 need dry rations; 6,932 need house-cleaning support; 4,383 students lost uniforms and school items; and 1,692 families lost kitchen and essential items. These details have been sent to the District Secretariat. Of the 6,932 selected for the Rs. 25,000 house-cleaning payment, they also applied for the Rs. 50,000 grant. Yet the DS selected only 1,692 for the Rs. 50,000 grant and sent those details, and only 330 have been paid so far. The Federation of All Mosques in Muttur has written to the Hon. President about this injustice; I table a copy for the Hansard.

¶ 03 I ask:

¶ 04 1. How many families were affected in Trincomalee by the ‘Ditva’ cyclone and floods? Have all applicants received compensation?

¶ 05 2. Can those who applied for the Rs. 25,000 payment also apply for the Rs. 50,000 compensation?

¶ 06 3. In Muttur DS, of the 6,932 who applied for the Rs. 50,000 payment, why were only 1,692 sent to the District Secretariat?

¶ 07 4. Of those 1,692, why have only 330 been paid so far, and when will the rest be paid?

¶ 08 5. Are DSs being pressured through District Secretaries to alter verified beneficiary numbers compiled by Grama Sevakas?

¶ 09 6. How many lost both houses and land to landslides and floods? How many have received the Rs. 500,000 housing compensation?

¶ 10 7. How many who lost land have been given alternative land or Rs. 500,000 compensation?

¶ 11 8. How many who lost houses have received Rs. 20,000 per month for three months for rent?

¶ 12 9. Is the Minister aware that people in Arachchikattuwa, Puttalam District, are still affected by flooding, and will urgent action be taken so they can return to their homes?

¶ 13 Additionally, in Vanathavilluwa DS—Karaithivu and Sinnanagawillu—‘Ditva’ caused severe damage. Even after 100 days, four feet of water remains; 24 houses and one preschool are still inundated; 26 families are affected; over 150 acres of coconut and cashew lands are submerged. Due to inadequate relief, people continually complain. What action will the Government take? The people have submitted a petition titled “Rebuilding of Sinnanagawillu,” which I table.

¶ 14 In Kandy District, Udunuwara electorate, Rammalakka village was hit hard: seven houses fully and three partially damaged, with more problems persisting. What relief will be given? There is fear of disasters due to rockfalls. Will the Government address this urgently? Please ensure timely payments to the affected.