The Hon. K. Sujith Sanjaya Perera

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, though there is much to say about the recent disaster, I will focus on key points due to limited time. When the Hon. President addressed Parliament at the onset, he promised multiple forms of relief, including assistance for damaged houses and lands. People were encouraged. However, when we see the circulars, there is doubt whether funds will be delivered as pledged.

¶ 02 The Rs. 25,000 cleaning grant is being disbursed—I have already helped some receive it, and many more are slated to get it. Yet there is an unfair limitation: it is only for houses where floodwater entered. In Kegalle and elsewhere, landslides occurred; houses were damaged by soil collapse and strong winds. If these cases are excluded, it will cause serious issues. The President also mentioned an additional Rs. 50,000 for household repairs and essential items; however, implementing procedures are not yet in place, as per agencies. I request the Deputy Minister of Disaster Management to ensure these funds are given without onerous conditions and to include landslide and wind-damage victims, not only those with floodwater ingress.

¶ 03 Estate worker communities are extremely vulnerable. Conditions and documentation requirements—like letters only obtainable for certain registered workers—are creating barriers. Relief should be accessible to all residents, with mobile disbursement where feasible.

¶ 04 Schools have resumed, but in Yatiyantota several schools fall in risk zones per NBRI. Yatiyantota Malalpola Vidyalaya is severely affected and designated high-risk, and students are being relocated—about 200 children. Simply removing students from buildings is not sufficient; I request a re-assessment and implementation of soil conservation, retaining structures, and protection measures to secure these schools, so education can continue safely.