Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri

¶ 01 Mr. Chairman, first I express condolences to those affected in Badulla District.

¶ 02 Hon. Harsha de Silva raised a vital question regarding the “Rebuilding Sri Lanka” fund, and no one on the Government side responded, confirming suspicions that the Government is acting outside the Constitution. Those who once harshly criticized “Helping Hambantota” now appear to be creating a similar setup under the guise of rebuilding. We say: do not do this outside the law. Explain where funds come from, where they go, how they link to the Treasury, and how they will be audited.

¶ 03 Our leader said do not politicize this disaster. But historically, who politicized disasters? Those who now sit in Government. We saw a Minister weeping at a camp; but in prior disasters in our areas, he did not. Now, perhaps, they feel the pain.

¶ 04 In our district, 47,947 persons are displaced—13,494 families. Deaths number 806; missing 17 (likely higher, as some villages in Wiyaluwa cannot yet be reached). There are 164 safe centers sheltering 6,903 families (21,347 persons). Fully damaged houses: 281; partially damaged: 4,915. We believe the real figures are higher.

¶ 05 The Government must accept responsibility for failure to anticipate, avert, and manage the disaster. The President said, “We cannot give life to the dead, but we will provide everything else,” which is fine—but for every life lost, the Government bears responsibility. In the hill country, even 80 mm causes serious damage; forecasts spoke of 400–500 mm. People should have been warned and moved earlier. If red alerts had been issued and people evacuated to camps in time, only property would have been lost, not lives.

¶ 06 When Parliament met at 8.30 a.m. that day, the President asked us what to do. Why should the President ask the Opposition? Today, when our Chief Opposition Whip requested a one-minute silence, it was not allowed earlier. Where is Parliament’s respect?

¶ 07 The Northeast monsoon will intensify; December is our wettest month, often with seven-day spells. What is the plan? Many walls have cracked; even light rains could trigger fresh slides. Keep people in camps safely and provide all necessities under a proper plan. Across the country, people have united; do not distribute with partisan symbols.

¶ 08 I also fear the Government seeks to suppress the media, turning the state of emergency into a tool against journalists. The Public Security Minister reportedly told officials to act under emergency law if information harms the Government. Do not do this. Media helped locate trapped people via mobile videos. Do not disable mobile networks or censor critical footage. Use the 14 days you had to prepare a proper plan.

¶ 09 Other countries, after seeing our tragedy, prepared and reduced impact. Our media institutions have done an immense service. Do not stifle them to hide incompetence.

¶ 10 Finally, Rs. 25,000 is insufficient; increase it and expedite payments. Stop the lies; act to truly rescue the people.

¶ 11 Thank you.