Hon. (Dr.) Najith Indika

¶ 01 Mr. Deputy Chairperson, I express condolences on behalf of the Government to all who lost lives, loved ones and property.

¶ 02 I also salute the armed forces, Police, public officials, and health workers who, in extremely dangerous conditions—sometimes without sleep for days—have laboured, and some sacrificed their lives: SLAF Group Captain Nirmal Siyambalapitiya; five Navy officers at Chalai; one Army officer at Norton Bridge; and a Police officer in Anuradhapura.

¶ 03 Regarding funding: arrangements are ready and ongoing; there is no need for doubt. The Government will provide all possible assistance. On the Rs. 25,000: it is not a full compensation but an initial household support to clean kitchens, restore sanitation and make the home habitable—earlier Rs. 10,000, now increased to Rs. 25,000. Full damage assessments and compensations will follow. Also, the dry ration allowance for a five-member family has been increased from Rs. 3,500 to Rs. 10,500.

¶ 04 On the so-called “fund”: no separate extra-legal fund has been created. The Ministry of Finance has published official bank account numbers—for domestic and overseas contributions—under the authority of the Secretary to the Treasury. Funds can be remitted safely.

¶ 05 This is one of the largest natural disasters in modern Sri Lankan history—25 districts affected; 21 with active shelters. With simultaneous landslides and blocked access, limited helicopters, and damaged roads, responders walked hours to reach estates; ropes were used to access Nuwara Eliya. International aid is arriving and being integrated. There may be gaps; raise them constructively. From the outset, a centralized command under the President coordinated operations. Let us see the big picture. Do not undermine officials who are restoring power, water and roads within 24–72 hours under extreme conditions. In this period, let us all work together; politics can resume afterwards.

¶ 06 Thank you.