The Hon. K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna - Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Chairperson, this natural disaster is the worst of our era. It has been 22 days since it occurred. As a new Government, our 22-day management effort—if judged with conscience—was strenuous and properly coordinated. People on the ground acknowledge it.

¶ 02 We assumed leadership while already grappling with another calamity: a severe economic crisis and debt distress. The people entrusted the National People’s Power to rebuild that economy. A year later, at the recent Budget, we showed a surplus at the Treasury. Even the Opposition and international fora discussed this. As we pushed forward, the “Dicha” cyclone struck. The President had to lead the nation through two simultaneous burdens. As of today’s figures: 490,385 affected families; 1,702,719 people; 643 deaths; 183 missing. Over 21 days, under the President’s leadership, we worked day and night. Many efforts were not loudly heard because the public’s own dedication enabled us to work efficiently.

¶ 03 As Minister Handunnetti said, countless citizens committed themselves—including opposition politicians. Yet parliamentary opposition engagement was minimal. In districts like Matara and Monaragala, opposition local councilors came to clean homes and drains; we welcomed that. From the outset, we managed the State machinery properly. In Badulla, the District Disaster Management Committee met daily—7.00 a.m. and 7.00 p.m.—for about five days, then every other day. We continue to meet and take decisions.

¶ 04 There was a notion that the public service is weak. Our officers showed they can do the impossible. Within 72 hours, we restored 100% drinking water in Badulla, with voluntary teams assisting. Our water supply was 100% down; within 72 hours, except for Mediyangana, all was restored. Electricity connections were 63% down; within 12 days, 90% restored. Fourteen health institutions were incapacitated; even in hard-hit Mahiyanganaya Hospital, services resumed within 72 hours.

¶ 05 We lacked equipment—our PRDD had only one backhoe with driver—but now 36 machines are working, thanks to Southern Province officers and Minister Sunil Handunnetti. Local authority chairmen laboured—Weligama, Akuressa, Hakmana—building bridges with machines on site. In 22 days, we achieved much.

¶ 06 We also ensured dignified funerals—88 deaths in our district—with Defence Forces and Indian teams assisting. India deployed a mobile hospital to Mahiyanganaya with 85 staff, treating thousands—we are grateful.

¶ 07 Thanks to Minister Bimal Rathnayake, the RDA expedited work: 25 main roads were blocked; all 25 are now open. About 100 bridges were destroyed; seven major RDA bridges were lost. In 15 days, we repaired the Maussagolla bridge and reopened Ella–Passara Road. A 200-year-old Spring Valley bridge is being refitted; by this weekend it will be installed—work that once took months or years.

¶ 08 Unlike previous disasters where many districts aided a few, this time most districts were affected, so aid from unaffected districts was limited. Still, people shared what they had—rice, clothes. Some opposition groups unfortunately distributed aid to sow division, which we regret. Nevertheless, we have largely stabilized the situation: main roads in Nuwara Eliya and elsewhere are open; hospitals are functional; life is returning to normal; children are back in school; farms are operating. International observers acknowledge the results.

¶ 09 As of noon today, Rs. 25,000 for house cleaning has been paid to 257,479 families. Crop compensation payments total Rs. 1,535 million to 26,072 farmers. In a short time, Government and officials have executed a vast task.

¶ 10 Seventy kilometres of railway in Badulla suffered major damage; with Railway staff, citizens, and NBRO support, all 70 km are now repaired. From the 20th morning, trains will operate from both Ambewela and Badulla—good news for tourists.

¶ 11 In our district, 1,357 tanks, anicuts, and canals are reported damaged so far; in minor irrigation alone, 492 anicuts are completely destroyed. We launched the “Great Irrigation Operation of Courage to Rebuild Broken Tanks and Revive Ruined Fields,” mobilizing a 5,000-strong force at Hali Ela grounds with national support. On the 12th, we cleared the Uma Oya anicut and released the first waters—villagers, farmers and the Army all joined. Without this, 6,000 families would lose income and children their meals; the country would lose vegetables. On the 21st, we will complete another major irrigation channel. One thousand Civil Security Department personnel, along with Air Force and Police, and volunteers from Matara, Monaragala, Ampara and Ratnapura, are working with locals—5,000 strong—repairing anicuts across Badulla. We will also commission the Bathmedilla scheme to irrigate 1,450 acres—once thought impossible.

¶ 12 Regarding earlier management claims: in 2013 at Kabargala, Halduwmulla, a landslide displaced 50 families who were kept in a closed tea factory partitioned by sarees—no houses were built. After our Government took office, on 15 March we laid foundations; the Army is now constructing all 50 houses, roofs already fixed, to be handed over soon. Three high-risk schools in Badulla—Liyanagahawela, Makkaldeniya, Meemale—were to be removed five years ago; we are now commencing those relocations. On the 20th at 2.00 p.m., we will bring another 5,000 workers to Welimada National School grounds. Two hundred twenty-seven schools and preschools damaged in Badulla will be repaired within weeks by round-the-clock work with public support.

¶ 13 This is the first time in our history that Rs. 500,000 is given to an ordinary citizen to rebuild a house; Rs. 25,000 for cleaning; Rs. 75,000 for essentials—delivered rapidly and recognized internationally. We continue multiple operations to rebuild the country. History shows nations can turn calamity into advantage—Japan rose stronger after Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Under President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s leadership, Sri Lanka will rise admirably.

¶ 14 Finally, we thank the international community, the Sri Lankan diaspora, our citizens, and religious institutions. Monks put aside their robes and laboured at anicuts, inspiring the nation. Ministers, MPs, chairmen and grassroots leaders worked day and night—even while their own homes suffered. Some officials lost children, yet worked tirelessly. Any notion that officials fear working under the new Government is false; we have provided unprecedented relief to the people. The Tri-Forces, Civil Security Department, Police, artists and many others helped—artists visited 181 camps in our district to cheer children. To our people: we are ready to rebuild for you; do not fear. What we promised will be delivered—and more, if needed. Thank you for the time.