The Hon. Riyas Farook

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, I thank you for the opportunity to speak on the regulations under the Import and Export (Control) Act No. 1 of 1969.

¶ 02 We all know the devastation caused by Cyclone “Dicha” across several districts, including significant damage in Kandy. We are working to rebuild. We received funds and goods from abroad and had to promptly amend regulations to clear donated consignments from Customs.

¶ 03 In Kandy District, 1,903 houses were fully damaged and 16,514 partially damaged. Reconstruction has begun. With the President’s involvement, housing programs started today in Anuradhapura and Kurunegala. In Kandy we are identifying land for rebuilding and will commence construction immediately.

¶ 04 An Opposition MP recently praised local authorities in Deltota for restoration efforts. I must note that our party’s MPs, including Deputy Minister Prasanna Gunasekara and MP D.A.S. Dissanayake, worked tirelessly with the Divisional Secretary and District Secretary. MP Jagath Manuwarna was in Galaha and Deltota; MP Fasmin worked in Gampola and Gelioya; I worked from Poojapitiya and Akurana. In some places, even vehicles could not pass—we walked, used scooters, and first opened foot access, then for three-wheelers.

¶ 05 When we had cleared routes, that MP came to the District Disaster Management Committee requesting roads be built to Deltota. We had already done so. Similarly for Akurana—he visited after several days. For Rambukeella, on day one, the Divisional Secretary and I walked six kilometres to assess. It was our Police, Army, and multiple agencies who opened roads. Claims that only a particular local council chairman did the work are inaccurate.

¶ 06 Going forward, we need equipment—JCBs, dump trucks, water and gully bowsers, chainsaws—to complete rebuilding. With these regulation changes, we can swiftly import needed machinery, rebuild homes faster, and resettle people in better conditions than before, as the President emphasizes.

¶ 07 Thank you.