The Hon. Rajeevan Jeyachandramoorthy

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Speaker, I am pleased to participate in today’s Adjournment Debate on the country’s current situation following the disaster caused by the recent extreme weather. Cyclone Ditwah inflicted severe damage across the country and people suffered immensely. It is said that the impact of this cyclone is three times worse than the tsunami. [Interruption] Hon. Deputy Speaker, I cannot speak amidst this noise. Please give me more time. [Interruption]

¶ 02 Hon. Deputy Speaker, with Cyclone Ditwah, people across the country have been affected in multiple ways—both directly and indirectly. All 25 districts have suffered differently based on their geography. For example, in the hill country, landslides occurred; in the Northern Province, flooding struck. In the Northern Province that I represent, floods caused significant damage, especially in Mullaitivu and Mannar Districts, as well as in Kilinochchi and Jaffna Districts. Many houses in those districts were submerged.

¶ 03 In this context, we must provide clarity to the people regarding the Government’s actions. As the Government, we are taking a responsible role in managing this unprecedented disaster and in delivering proper solutions to the people. We visited all affected locations in Kilinochchi and Jaffna Districts. Even today, water remains stagnant in many places; many houses are still inundated. Government officials, Divisional Secretaries, Samurdhi officers, and Grama Niladharis are working with us. We are not blaming anyone. Whether it is the President, the Prime Minister, Members of Parliament, or Government party members—when we engage in monitoring and find shortcomings, we point them out to rectify them. Wherever there are gaps, we have taken the responsible officials to the field to show the situation, and they understood. Accordingly, we are implementing plans to ensure timely, proper relief to the people.

¶ 04 To rescue Sri Lanka from this disaster, not only Government officials but also the Tri-Forces, Police, religious leaders, and civil society groups joined us on the ground. On behalf of the Government, we thank them all. It is because of them that our people could recover more quickly. Data collection is still underway.

¶ 05 In Jaffna and Kilinochchi, a key problem is that floodwater cannot reach the sea efficiently. In Kilinochchi, water overflowing from Iranamadu, Kalmadu, Kanagambikai, Puzhuthikulam, Visuvamadu, and Pirapandananai tanks must reach the sea through Kandavalai and Karaichchi areas. Because canals, bunds, and small bridges have not been rehabilitated for a long time, people there are more severely affected. I estimate the canals to be about 100 km in length. At yesterday’s DCC, I discussed allocating Rs. 200 million to Kilinochchi District. If we clean these canals, we can reduce 90% of the damage. With proper funding and execution, we can reduce future flooding, displacement, and losses of livestock and crops. I place this request here because it offers both immediate and long-term solutions.

¶ 06 Even a small rain floods areas in Jaffna such as Vatharavathai in Pooneryn, and Rajakiraman and Kudavathai in Karaveddy. Rajakiraman is truly a severely affected area. The outlets for floodwater have not been cleaned for years. Alongside the above allocation, if funds are also provided for Jaffna’s canal cleaning, flood impacts there can be reduced.

¶ 07 The Prajashakthi programme is a Government initiative that cannot be fairly criticized. Some now attempt to use the country’s devastation as an opportunity to regain power, thinking they can revert to the past and topple the Government. This is not the time for that. This is a time to work with the Government on a programme for the people. I earnestly request everyone to cooperate.

¶ 08 Even one life lost is a great loss; so too are the loss of property and livestock. Only those who lost them know the pain. Whether it is a goat, a cow, or a paddy field, when it is affected, we must all work together. Recently in Jaffna, I saw some walk out of a DCC meeting because they were not allotted chairs. Are we here to fight for chairs or to serve the people? If we truly serve, the people will commend us. We cannot accept attempts to sabotage or divert Government programmes for narrow political gain.

¶ 09 Through Prajashakthi, we will identify the poor correctly and work with the Government to eradicate poverty. If implemented properly, it will help eliminate poverty. Dear people, please cooperate to fully implement Prajashakthi. Through it, long-standing social issues will be addressed. This is a Government plan; it should not be maligned for selfish reasons.

¶ 10 In my constituency, more needs remain. Many flood-affected people are still struggling. In Vadamarachchi East, many families live in cadjan huts. We must empower them. Land is a major issue; more than half of lands are under the Department of Wildlife Conservation. We must release lands, build houses, and permanently settle them. We should also construct proper canals to prevent future floods. Previously, culverts and bunds across roads were removed and replaced inadequately; this must be corrected so floodwater can reach the sea via bridges and culverts. That is what we in Government are striving to do. The people know what we are doing. Let us all unite to rebuild the nation. Thank you.