The Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Chairperson, more than 30 Opposition MPs today requested the appointment of a Special Committee to inquire into the failure to manage the recent disaster and its causes. We believe there were shortcomings in the Government’s actions; despite warnings, inadequate implementation led to loss of life and large-scale damage. A Special Committee—where the Opposition has investigatory power—should be appointed.

¶ 02 While the President has announced many reliefs, implementation on the ground is weak and delayed. The Rs. 25,000 house-cleaning grant—the first essential—has still not been fully paid. The promised Rs. 25,000 for affected schoolchildren has reportedly been reduced to Rs. 15,000, which also has not been paid, though schools are open. The Rs. 50,000 for essential household items is inadequate: most homes have fridges, TVs, fans—Rs. 50,000 is not enough.

¶ 03 SMEs were heavily hit. The Rs. 200,000 per enterprise is insufficient. At the Opposition Leader’s instruction, we set up a Disaster Information Centre; thousands called reporting that these reliefs are being politicized—pressure through so-called people’s committees to influence distributions. Circulars are unclear; despite Presidential and media announcements, Divisional and Grama Niladhari offices remain uninformed, delaying execution. We urge immediate, accelerated delivery of all benefits. We will fully support tomorrow’s Rs. 500 billion supplementary estimate to fund relief.