The Hon. Kaveenthiran Kodeeswaran

¶ 01 Thank you, Hon. Presiding Member. The recent disaster damaged not only human lives but also physical assets. The hill-country people were severely affected; the government has a duty to provide proper relief and compensation. In Ampara District, farmers, fishermen, and daily wage earners have been greatly affected. Fishermen have been unable to go to sea for about a month. Farmers lost livestock—goats, cattle, poultry—and thereby their dairy production and livelihoods. They are among the poorest and have truly lost their occupations. Relief must reach them adequately and promptly.

¶ 02 In Ampara’s Thirukkovil, Karaithivu, Pottuvil, Navithanveli, and Addalaichenai areas, livestock breeders are badly hit, especially dairy. While Rs. 25,000 is being provided to households affected by floodwater entering homes, such support has not reached many of these groups. Relief must be extended fairly to all affected, and in some cases at higher levels due to livelihood loss.

¶ 03 It is troubling that some officials ask for “proof” that floodwater entered houses—demanding photos at the time of flooding—before granting relief. This is highly inappropriate and demoralizing. Relief should be given to all affected without discrimination.

¶ 04 Severe coastal erosion in Thirukkovil, Karaithivu, and Pottuvil is also destroying ancient temples—Thirukkovil Amman Temple and Thambiluvil Sivan Temple are under threat. Urgent protective works, such as rock revetments and sand bunds, are needed to save these heritage sites, as well as to protect houses, roads, home gardens, and paddy lands. I urge the Minister to act decisively.