The Hon. Ananda Wijepala

¶ 01 I wish to provide a clarification. Over the past month, the Emergency Regulations were in force. We must clarify to this House whether we used the emergency law against democracy, to oppress the people, to suppress the media, or for any other repressive action. By our conduct, we have clearly demonstrated that we did not. We used the Emergency Regulations only to continue essential services, maintain services, appoint a Commissioner General for essential services, provide emergency relief, and ensure the safety of affected people. You know that, in the past, certain groups who were partners in previous governments, for decades, used the Prevention of Terrorism Act to pursue repressive practices—this is no secret. They oppressed journalists, set fire to media institutions, killed journalists, abducted journalists, and built an extremely oppressive regime, and those who backed them are now here casting aspersions at a government that is advancing democratically. The people know that we do not need emergency law for political governance. The reason is that this Government has the mandate and the public confidence. We have always been with the people, and we continue to work with them. We have no obstruction to going among the people.

¶ 02 After the disaster situation, we visited every relief centre and acted on behalf of the people, identifying their issues and providing answers. Therefore, we have no necessity to use emergency law for governance. The emergency was not brought for that. It was brought to quickly take decisions to provide relief to affected people, maintain essential services, and carry out what is necessary. A Commissioner General for Essential Services has been appointed and all the ancillary work is being carried out. Emergency relief is being provided more efficiently.

¶ 03 Next, regarding the Rs. 25,000 relief payment, this has been paid 100%. The Rs. 50,000 grant has been paid 95%. Hon. Ranjith Madduma Bandara said that no compensation had been paid for crop damage; in fact, 65% has been paid—he is not aware. We paid around Rs. 150,000 per hectare. All these reliefs are being provided expeditiously. We use these regulations to provide relief and protection to affected persons, not to suppress the media like they did.

¶ 04 On a day like today in 2009, they bombed the Sirasa institution. Those who were complicit are now shedding crocodile tears. They not only suppressed the media; they abducted and killed. Such people now point fingers at us. We have governed this country democratically throughout the past year. Some spoke about a police state. The Police have been given the freedom to carry out their duties correctly. I, and even the Deputy Minister, have not given any improper orders.

¶ 05 Next, let us look at the Tissa Vihara matter. We emphasize to this House again today: whether in the North or the South, we will not allow nationalism, religious extremism, or terrorism to be fomented by exploiting issues. We said this earlier; we say it today; we will say it tomorrow. Some are trying to stir communalism through the Tissa Vihara issue and create disharmony among communities. The Police have acted properly in accordance with the court order. No one is being harmed. That is the same in the North, in Matugama, and in Ratnapura. The Police have been instructed to act fairly. We will not allow the Police to be steered by personal political agendas. The public and police officers know this; therefore, it is unjust to level baseless accusations at the Police.

¶ 06 Regarding the statement or circular by the Secretary of Defence declaring the end of the disaster situation caused by the cyclone, let me clarify the phases. A disaster has three phases: the early warning period; the period when the disaster is active; and the post-disaster phase. The Secretary of Defence has given a date and notified that the disaster period has ended. The pre-disaster early warning measures were carried out. We are now in the post-disaster phase. We are extending the Emergency Regulations to carry out relief measures, not for any anti-democratic purpose. To work in accordance with post-disaster needs—such as resettlement and rehabilitation—we need another month or two. As you know, there are resettlements and restorations to be done. Some families cannot be resettled in the same locations. According to reports of the National Building Research Organisation (NBRO), 1,240 major landslide sites have been identified. Beyond that, NBRO reports are needed to designate safe locations for resettlement. This takes some time. We must also identify and provide new lands for resettlement. We will commence the programme to repair damaged houses on the 9th, starting from the Kurunegala District. Our Hon. President informed this House that Rs. 500,000 will be provided for rebuilding a house, and a circular has been issued. Funds will be allocated this week, and we will begin that task.

¶ 07 You know from history that in similar situations, and due to conflict situations, people lived in displacement camps for decades. Only a pittance in compensation was given, often after years—two, three, four, five years, or even two to three decades. That was the state then. We are delivering significant relief within a very short period and will complete the rest soon.

¶ 08 We regret the loss of lives suffered by our people due to this calamity. Apart from the irreplaceable loss of life, we have decided to provide many other forms of support. We have launched the full package of relief required, and we are extending the Emergency Regulations only to make the necessary decisions and to restore and maintain services.

¶ 09 Hon. Presiding Member, in the resettlement programme for the displaced, identifying new lands is necessary, and that work is ongoing. We are taking all steps to ensure that resettlement or relocation is done in safe areas so that people will not be subjected to future risk. At the same time, we are moving people away from unsafe, landslide-prone areas. As a responsible Government, we cannot allow anyone to continue living in such dangerous locations.

¶ 10 We must protect the lives of all and ensure safety for all. These decisions are taken to provide that protection. Frankly, no Government in our history has acted as we have during a disaster. Taking all sectors into account, in fisheries, the Ministry of Fisheries is taking measures to address losses; in livestock, the Ministry of Livestock is taking decisions; in agriculture, compensation payments are being made. Through Divisional Secretaries, the Rs. 25,000 and Rs. 50,000 equipment grants, and the Rs. 500,000 housing grant are being implemented. The Government will also select suitable locations for resettlement and make available the necessary lands. The Government expects to complete these tasks in the near future. We do not want anyone to endure prolonged hardship in shelters; where necessary, through Divisional Secretaries, we are helping people in such centres to find rental housing and restore normal life.

¶ 11 The Opposition is making various allegations and trying, by moving around the country, to use this disaster to discredit the Government and create some political impact. But they know the people’s trust in the National People’s Power has not diminished in the slightest. The people are with us. Therefore, for the future wellbeing of our people, the Government will not hesitate to take any necessary step. We know how to govern this country democratically. We do not need emergency law or any repressive decree. Instead of repressive orders, we are prepared to ensure democracy and the country’s future security. I conclude.

¶ 12 Thank you.

¶ 13 Question put, and agreed to.