The Hon. J.C. Alawathuwala

¶ 01 Madam Deputy Chairperson, the country is facing a very unfortunate situation. Our brothers and sisters have been severely affected; there are reports of missing persons and loss of life. We express our deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and our sympathies to all affected. We also thank the Tri-Forces, Police, Special Task Force, District and Divisional Secretaries, Grama Niladharis, Development Officers, Agricultural research and production assistants, and local authority chairpersons and secretaries across party lines; and the medical professionals and staff who worked day and night to provide relief. As public representatives, we owe them our gratitude.

¶ 02 There have been both landslides and flooding. In our area along the Deduru Oya, this was not merely overtopping—everything was swept away: houses, trees, animals, and people; a massive inundation beyond usual. While some areas were devastated, people in nearby localities were spared, and they were the first to come and help rescue lives. Our people have shown exemplary solidarity, which helped reduce the loss of life.

¶ 03 We have villages where telecommunication still does not work and roads are impassable. In Kurunegala District, many villages like Dodangaslanda are still inaccessible; Mirissala, Dunumawa, Ambatenna have had landslides; people are trapped and it is dangerous to go there. Phones did not work until very recently in several areas beyond Kurunegala town. Without communications, many problems arise.

¶ 04 I must say I have little faith in the statistics now presented—on deaths, missing, and damage—because from what we have seen, the real numbers are higher. The current figures are minimal and more information is yet to come. The statistics via District and Divisional Secretariats understate the true scale; in a week we will know more.

¶ 05 A few points are clear. After this disaster, who is responsible for the lives of survivors? While this is a natural calamity, many more lives could have been saved. The Director-General of Meteorology briefed the media on the 12th; by around the 20th, BBC and CNN reported the possibility of 500 mm rainfall. The events occurred on 27–28 November. There was sufficient time to minimize damage and save lives.

¶ 06 We are not merely blaming the Government; but the country deserves clarity: what steps were taken before the event? Was this discussed at Cabinet after the Director-General’s warning and international reports? If any pre-emptive actions were taken, let a Minister inform Parliament. No one mentioned this. It appears negligence aggravated the losses.

¶ 07 A major cause was reservoir management. Taking our area: Deduru Oya Reservoir was already full after several days of rain. With two weeks’ advance warning, the water level could have been reduced in time. Why was it not? Then all sluices were opened at once, causing unprecedented devastation downstream in Nikaweratiya and Halawatha areas—not just flooding but everything was swept away. The same applies to Kotmale Reservoir; Gampola town was devastated because water management was not adjusted in advance.

¶ 08 We urged emergency regulations for disaster management, but even that took days. Later it was imposed, yet the Public Security Minister said it would be used against social media or journalists critical of the Government. We strongly oppose misuse. The purpose should be to enable relief and restoration, not to suppress dissent.

¶ 09 On compensation: the Government says Rs. 1 million per life lost. One cannot value a life in money, but even this should be increased because when a breadwinner dies, the family needs more to survive. On missing persons: in war, some missing later return; but in landslides, the whole village knows someone was buried. Classifying them simply as “missing” creates injustice—families lack death certificates and are denied entitlements. If laws must be amended, we are ready to support in Parliament immediately to allow timely issuance of death certificates in such cases.

¶ 10 On destroyed houses: current figures say under 1,000 fully destroyed, which is wrong and will rise. In Mawatagama, numerous landslides occurred; likewise in Dodangaslanda and Ibbagamuwa. Damage is not only where houses were buried; when a mountainside slips and only 10–15 houses are covered, the entire slope is destabilized with cracks and seeping water, making remaining houses uninhabitable. So the number needing relocation and new houses is much higher. In one electorate, about 150 houses may need to be newly built. We cannot tell people to stay in cracked houses; even small rains can trigger further slides. Thus, for many on such slopes, returning is impossible; they must be relocated with new houses on safe land. Flood-swept houses have been entirely washed away; rebuilding on the same spot may be impossible. Government must be ready with a rapid programme for land identification and housing. There are also partially damaged houses; compensation needs clear guidelines and must be provided.

¶ 11 Households have lost all clothing and belongings; there is no scheme announced yet for that. Children’s books and supplies are gone. Rs. 10,000 for initial resettlement is meaningless. People survive due to neighbours’ help; let us acknowledge that. Create new procedures and provisions to support such losses. We have heard Rs. 500 billion can be spent under the supplementary framework—so act now; do not delay. Provide funds to keep these destitute people alive. As Opposition, we are ready to support any necessary measure.

¶ 12 On paddy lands: many fields have been scoured or buried. To rehabilitate, at least Rs. 200,000 per acre is needed in many places, sometimes more. Change circulars and procedures accordingly and launch a programme to restore livelihoods. We will fully support.

¶ 13 Thank you.