Hon. (Mrs.) Chamindranee Kiriella, Attorney-at-Law

¶ 01 Madam Deputy Chairperson, our motherland is facing the “Doo” cyclone disaster. As of now, 474 deaths and 356 missing are reported; over 1.5 million affected. As an MP for Kandy, I sadly note our district is the most impacted: 118 deaths; 171 missing; over 10,000 families and 40,000 persons affected.

¶ 02 I pay heartfelt tribute to the Central Province Commissioner of Local Government, the Kandy District Secretary and officials working day and night; the tri-forces, Police, doctors, PHIs and all others; and to the Malwathu-Asgiri Maha Viharas and the Sri Dalada Maligawa under the Diyawadana Nilame for providing meals—nearly 100,000 daily—for those affected.

¶ 03 At shelters, I saw people from across the country bringing aid. I thank civil organizations and diplomatic missions, too. As a humane Opposition, we know we cannot change the weather, but we must ask whether we took timely measures to minimize loss of life and property.

¶ 04 On 25 November, the BBC Weather report warned Sri Lanka could receive up to 500 mm of rain with possible tropical cyclone formation within days. With such advance notice, we should have prepared. India’s early preparation limited reported deaths to three; we too could have reduced casualties.

¶ 05 In Kandy, had the spill gates at Kotmale and Polgolla been managed in a timely manner, much of the sudden flooding could have been avoided. Gampola—Galgediyawa and Sinhapitiya—suffered up to 90% damage; so did Ududumbara, Hasalaka, Sarasavigama, Deltota, Galaha, Alawatugoda, Pahala Deltota. Communication failures persist; access is blocked to many places. Please attend urgently to this.

¶ 06 In Upland Estate’s Hadabima Division, 32 families are missing; in Alawatugoda, in Hasalaka’s Nelummala, over 30 families are buried. Some bodies are yet unrecovered; in areas like Hasalaka, Udathawa, Gageyaya, Kimbula Ela, Kapuwatta, Rubberwatta, Hewahatta, Loolkaladura, Mauussa, Deltota, Galaha and Maulana Estate, access is still impossible.

¶ 07 The biggest issue in Kandy is potable water. At Getambe Water Treatment Plant, engineers are working tirelessly; even after six or seven days, supply is not fully restored. Please dispatch additional expert teams from Colombo to expedite.

¶ 08 More heavy rains are forecast; please take precautions. UNICEF warns that 300,000 children are affected, with increased risks of communicable diseases, malnutrition and unsafe living conditions. Women and children are most vulnerable—ensure adequate medicines for dengue, leptospirosis and chikungunya.

¶ 09 Although Rs. 500,000 per Divisional Secretariat is announced, in Kandy’s 20 DS divisions, less than 50% seem to have actually received funds. Officials are reluctant to disclose details. Please ensure timely disbursement.

¶ 10 Our people have faced many challenges through history; with the blessings of the Sacred Tooth Relic, we shall overcome. The Opposition will fully cooperate for the people.

¶ 11 Thank you.