The Hon. Thilina Samarakoon

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, I was initially allocated eight minutes, but now the time has been limited to five minutes.

¶ 02 Hon. Presiding Member, thank you for giving us an opportunity to speak during this debate on the “Ditva” cyclone which plunged the whole country into disaster. I represent the Anuradhapura District. I will share some views on how the Anuradhapura District faced this disaster and how it affected the lives of people there. The Anuradhapura District comprises 22 Divisional Secretariat Divisions, and all 22 were affected. Though the overall disaster affected the whole country, compared to some other districts, the impact on Anuradhapura was somewhat lower.

¶ 03 There are reasons why all 22 divisions were affected. Notably, the main tributaries Kala Oya, Malwathu Oya and Yan Oya flow through Anuradhapura. Also, Anuradhapura has the largest number of tanks in Sri Lanka. Due to spillovers and increased sluicing, people’s lives were significantly affected. The district hosts several major reservoirs: Kala Wewa, Nachchaduwa, Rajanganaya, and Padaviya, among many others. The spillover of these tanks impacted the people, including the farming community.

¶ 04 A total of 22,838 families in Anuradhapura were affected; about 75,250 individuals were impacted. There were 245 houses fully damaged and 3,083 partially damaged. Sadly, there were 86 deaths in the district. The disaster also struck key transport sectors: highways, the railway network and overall transport.

¶ 05 Regarding minor irrigation, 67 anicuts and small tanks were totally destroyed, and 504 other irrigation structures were substantially damaged. In 372 locations, we had to breach canals to artificially release water to safeguard the tanks and people. Anuradhapura is the country’s largest paddy-cultivating district in the Maha season. Due to this disaster, 9,500 hectares of paddy were completely damaged, 5,000 hectares partially damaged, and 11,000 hectares have become impossible to re-cultivate this season. Besides paddy, crops such as big onion, banana, and other vegetables and fruits suffered heavy losses.

¶ 06 However, together with state officials, irrigation engineers, the Sri Lanka Army and volunteer organizations, and district political leaders, we intervened to protect lives over many days. Whatever criticisms the Opposition may make, we united with religious leaders and all communities, set aside divisions, and worked to protect lives and safeguard property and to help farmers rebuild their livelihoods. We have already organized the disbursement of relief benefits; roughly one-third of the intended recipients in the district have received payments. We are calculating the extent of agricultural land to ensure proper benefits. Hon. Presiding Member, the greatest sorrow is the loss of around 600 lives nationwide.