Hon. Manjula Suraweera Arachchi [10.01 a.m.]

¶ 01 Hon. Speaker, I move the following Adjournment Motion: “Whereas, due to the ‘Michaung’ cyclone, heavy rains triggered floods and landslides across 22 districts, causing loss of many lives and property damage amounting to billions; and whereas, in this grave natural disaster, many regional countries including our neighbour India, as well as others globally, extended assistance with immediate humanitarian aid and rescue operations; and whereas, the Government, various organizations and individuals voluntarily came forward to support affected people; now, therefore, this House urges that swift, collective, evidence-based policy decisions be taken to progress through the next phases of recovery, to normalize lives, and to take measures to prevent loss of life from such disasters in future, including land-use for disaster-minimizing settlements and ensuring that all economic activities including agriculture do not aggravate natural hazards.” Hon. Speaker, the ‘Michaung’ cyclone dealt a national tragedy. In the 18–19 days since, the country has undertaken a massive effort to stabilize. The President, with exemplary leadership and planning, together with the Prime Minister and Cabinet, has led targeted measures to relieve affected people and address damage to lives and property. Despite broken communications and access routes, public officers — from Grama Niladharis upwards — re-established coordination rapidly. I extend gratitude to them. Nuwara Eliya District was among the worst affected: roads were cut off; hospitals damaged; many relief centres established; multiple slope failures occurred. Massive labour operations commenced — including large volunteer contingents from Kalutara bringing rice, coconuts, bottled water and even necessary machinery. The District Secretary, DIGs, senior police officers, and the Tri-Forces with all government officials rallied like a swarm of bees. Road networks — RDA, Provincial, estate and rural — suffered large-scale failures. Thanks to relentless work, over 85 percent of roads are now restored with transport access. I thank the Minister of Transport, Hon. Bimal Rathnayake, for constant coordination, daily Zoom reviews and prompt funding to reopen roads, irrespective of institutional classifications (RDA/PRDA/estate/local). Major road segments—about 15—still require full restoration this week, with engineering support underway. Our engineers of PRDA and others merit appreciation. Hospitals: 95 percent functionality has been restored; four more hospitals will be normalized within this week. Drinking water: about 80 percent coverage restored across Nuwara Eliya through a unified operation with the Water Board and community schemes, regardless of programme ownership (including WASSIP). Electricity: by this morning, 99 percent supply restored. Of 1,045 transformers, only around six remain for repair; work is ongoing. The worst-hit seat, Walapane, still faces issues, but CEB staff have worked 24/7 under risk; we salute their dedication. For landslide risk and forward measures, NBRO is our key institution. Academics from Peradeniya, geologists from other districts and volunteers have joined a major operation. NBRO has received 1,003 complaints in Nuwara Eliya — representing issues affecting over 10,000 people. They have already conducted 188 inspections, and issued reports for 947 houses. Thirty-six roads were flagged; reports have been issued for 26. Of 43 affected schools, 22 have been addressed. Out of 551 schools in the district, 503 are open; in the Central Province, 1,392 of 1,501 schools are functioning, maintaining education continuity. This was a powerful blow from nature; hence, our response must be grounded in clear understanding and science.