The Hon. Mujibur Rahuman

¶ 01 Hon. Chairman, thank you for the opportunity. With the “Ditva” cyclone and the ensuing floods, reports indicate 405 deaths, 366 missing, and more than 1.5 million people affected and displaced. We extend condolences and thanks to civil organizations, public officials, the Armed Forces and Police who intervened.

¶ 02 Media have raised whether this was anticipated. On 12th November, the Director-General of the Department of Meteorology reportedly stated to certain media that such a cyclone could come. International media like BBC and CNN also spoke of rainfall possibly reaching 500 mm. Our question is: did the Government know and, if so, what did it do? Did the Met Department officially brief the Government? We have not yet received a clear official answer. Until the 27th, we did not see any early action by the President.

¶ 03 We cannot prevent natural disasters entirely, even in advanced countries, but we can minimize damage. Was there a Government discussion and plan to minimize damage? If not, why? I therefore propose appointing a Special Committee of Parliament to determine where the failures occurred so we can prevent recurrence.

¶ 04 There is a Disaster Management Act, No. 13 of 2005, which sets out how disaster management is conducted and how funds are raised and spent. It specifies the National Council for Disaster Management. Despite this, the President has set up a ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ fund. When the Act already provides for a fund, creating another by executive fiat raises legal concerns. Who sits on it? Mainly some of his advisers and businesspersons; are there disaster experts, doctors, engineers, or at least an Auditor-General or retired Auditor-General? No. Nor is there a representative of the affected people.

¶ 05 We have seen what happened to funds like “Helping Hambantota”, and during COVID, the “Itukama” fund—what became of those monies and transparency? Even the Tsunami-era “Rathu Tharuwa” fund’s website does not function now. We have misgivings about such funds. We urge the President to act under the laws passed by Parliament.

¶ 06 On the 28th, Emergency Regulations were promulgated. The President said they would not be used to suppress relief efforts. However, the State Minister in Wathugala reportedly briefed officers to take action against social media and other critics, which is dangerous. This suggests using emergency powers to do what cannot be done under normal law—silencing criticism and the media. This contradicts promises to remove repressive laws and online restrictions. We urge the Government not to use this disaster to undermine democracy, media freedom and free expression.

¶ 07 We, the Opposition, are ready to cooperate to rebuild the country. We propose establishing a common mechanism with a workable programme in which Opposition MPs can also contribute to national recovery. Thank you.