The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition

¶ 01 Hon. Speaker, first and foremost, on behalf of all those affected by Cyclone “Titli” (8961), especially those who lost their lives, and families who lost loved ones—children, parents—and those rendered homeless by this great calamity, we express our profound sorrow, sympathy, and heartfelt condolences.

¶ 02 We also convey our gratitude and respect to the Tri-Forces, Police, Civil Security Department, and all security agencies, to every sector of the state mechanism including frontline health workers, and to volunteers and charitable groups and individuals who came forward. They are heroes who saved the lives of our people.

¶ 03 We further thank all individuals, countries, and organizations—domestic and international—that assisted at this difficult time, and we request continued support for our affected citizens.

¶ 04 When discussing Cyclone “Titli,” we must consider the disaster cycle in three parts: pre-disaster, disaster, and post-disaster, together with monitoring and evaluation. I wish to present proposals in a constructive spirit to correct deficiencies and move in the right direction.

¶ 05 Sri Lanka’s disaster-management apparatus is extremely weak and must be restructured and strengthened. We should amend the Disaster Management Act, No. 13 of 2005, and establish a strong central mechanism with institutions that can operate effectively down to the ground level. The current coordinating-body model is inadequate; we need robust institutions capable of a head-on response.

¶ 06 There should be a dedicated Cabinet Ministry for Disaster Management—one of the foremost ministries of government—to consolidate functions now fragmented across multiple ministries. We must empower the mechanism with modern technology and equipment, and ensure adequate physical and human resources. Institutions like NBRO, GSMB, and the Department of Meteorology must be further strengthened. After the tsunami, a Doppler radar system was proposed, but even today a complete system is lacking. The attempt at Gongala failed; Puttalam and Pottuvil sites are needed. Under JICA, a foundation stone has been laid at Puttalam—this must proceed, and a parallel system established. We also need to create a Rapid Deployment Force for disaster response.

¶ 07 Look at India’s National Disaster Response Force (NDRF). As Cyclone “Titli” moved toward India, the NDRF extended substantial support to us. Their functions—mitigation, resource provision, relief, and rehabilitation—are a model.

¶ 08 We have 35,000 unemployed graduates. With specialized training, they could form the backbone of a Rapid Deployment Force under the Disaster Management Ministry, designed with both centralized and decentralized structures extending to village and divisional levels.

¶ 09 There are serious gaps in data: collation, analysis, centralized mapping, and mapping of vulnerable areas. We propose a fresh Household Income and Expenditure Survey to scientifically assess impacts on poverty lines and GDP. Relief to affected people must be delivered swiftly.

¶ 10 We will support the Rs. 500 billion supplementary estimate expected to be approved tomorrow, but everything promised—including assistance to individuals, children, families, land, and housing under Circular 08/2025—must be implemented via a strong, swift, rules-based, transparent mechanism. As Opposition, we will observe closely that Circular 08/2025 is executed clearly, with responsibility and accountability, free of politicization.

¶ 11 I have the Badulla District application form for the Rs. 25,000 household-cleaning grant: recommendations by the Disaster Relief Officer, Grama Niladhari, and Economic Development Officer are appropriate. However, it also requires the recommendation of the Chair of the “Community Development Committee”—a body aligned with the JVP. Is that recommendation necessary to receive Rs. 25,000, Rs. 50,000, Rs. 2.5 million, or Rs. 5 million? I table this document for the Hansard. Politicization must stop. Do not use this disaster for politics.

¶ 12 On resettlement from high-risk areas: NBRO identifies areas as high-risk and sends people to camps, then later asks them to return to the same dangerous places when schools reopen. For example, in Matale, after the Udugama landslide, people were housed at Alakolamada Junior School—a high-risk area—and are now being sent back. Another case is Alagumale in Matale. These deficiencies must be rectified.

¶ 13 There are man-made environmental tragedies causing severe landslides and collapses. In Dodamgaslanda’s Ikiriwatta area, separate rock quarrying under the Gommunna system has destabilized the region. For years, people demanded closure of these quarries; now the whole area has slipped. Protesters have been taken to court and cases are ongoing. I table the details. Please investigate the quarrying and mining damage and release those who protested against this man-made environmental disaster.

¶ 14 We need a specialized force operating both centrally and locally, with proper training. Let us learn lessons from this disaster and develop Sri Lanka as a regional center with well-trained national disaster-management capability.

¶ 15 We must protect the rights of disaster victims—their right to life and all related rights for children, women, mothers, persons with disabilities, the elderly, and the entire population. The Samagi Jana Balawegaya is establishing a legal team to safeguard victims’ rights regarding loss of life, homes, property, incomes, and rights to education and health.

¶ 16 The MSME sector, agriculture, fisheries, and other livelihoods have suffered heavily. Some have business registrations, some are registered under Divisional Secretariats, but many small informal vendors lack registration. They too must be protected.

¶ 17 Promised relief for MSMEs has not yet been delivered. Pausing repayments is not enough; penalties and portions of principal should be waived, and targeted relief provided. Farmers must be restored so we secure food security by strengthening agriculture.

¶ 18 We can learn from Odisha, India. After the 1999 super cyclone killed 10,000 and affected 18 million, they shifted to a zero human-casualty program. In Cyclone Phailin (2013), 10 million were protected; in Fani (2019), another 12 million were protected. We must move to a new disaster-management paradigm.

¶ 19 From November 11 to 26, the Department of Meteorology—ours and international counterparts—gave progressive, clear advisories on the developing depression and cyclone. Why did our disaster-management mechanism not activate? Another concern: Meteorology officials are effectively under house or office arrest and cannot give interviews. Do not suppress information; if it went well, say so; if mistakes were made, admit and correct them. Silencing officials does not help public understanding.

¶ 20 Post-cyclone health impacts are critical. Based on research from Monash University (2000–2019, nine countries, 217 cyclones, 150,000 total deaths analyzed), more deaths occur in the first four weeks after a cyclone due to health-system disruptions. Referencing this and a British Medical Journal publication, our SJB environmental center and organizers launched the “Husma” (Breath) program to strengthen health services in affected areas.

¶ 21 As a medical professional, you know the importance of addressing PTSD—Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Millions have suffered psychological impacts. A special health program is needed to address PTSD among affected populations.

¶ 22 I also ask the Government: you sought USD 200 million from the IMF via the Rapid Financing Instrument. We understood a meeting on the 15th would approve it. As of now, what is the status? It appears the meeting has not been held. We have requested 26 percent of our 150.5 million SDR quota. Please update the House.

¶ 23 Next, we propose engaging the IMF to revise the current program. From 2028 onward, can we service USD 4.5 billion annually in external debt given the pre-existing difficulties now worsened by the cyclone? With clear terms, renegotiate within the IMF framework to revise the agreement.

¶ 24 We hear the World Bank has allocated USD 120 million for affected regions, but these are repurposed funds from existing projects, not new money. While short-term repurposing is fine, we need additional new funds as well; otherwise, cutting an environmental-protection project to fund relief is counterproductive. We will support the Government’s discussions with the IMF, World Bank, and international partners to secure both repurposed and fresh funds.

¶ 25 We propose convening an international donor conference focused on this disaster. After the war ended, this too should have been done but was not. Given current global sympathy, this is essential.

¶ 26 We also note that the United States has imposed a 20 percent reciprocal tax on our exports. In light of this calamity, begin discussions with President Donald Trump to reduce it below 20 percent.

¶ 27 Finally, our country must emerge stronger, efficient, and with the right operational path. Do not allow the substandard drug or pharmaceutical mafia to re-emerge. We have information that two patients at the National Hospital died reportedly due to toxicity or substandard quality in an antiemetic/anti-vertigo injection administered—reported on the 15th. Was this due to substandard drugs or vaccines? Who is responsible? We must not abandon Senaka Bibile’s principles while allowing mafias to dominate health and pharmaceuticals.

¶ 28 Let us, beyond words, unite beyond race, religion, caste, class, and party to help the millions affected. The SJB and SJN are fully committed to practical, grassroots work with maximum effort. Thank you.