The Hon. Lakshman Nipuna Arachchi

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, although we are debating certain Heads of Expenditure, the discussion is framed by the national disaster situation. There is a saying: events do not occur so we may laugh or merely lament. As a responsible Government, we understand the gravity and must act accordingly.

¶ 02 We were prepared to debate the Budget with hope for 2026; then this natural tragedy struck.

¶ 03 Our people have more often suffered due to governance failures than to nature. We have seen natural calamities while in Opposition then; today we are in Government. I must note the contrast between how we, as Opposition then, acted during crises, versus how today’s Opposition behaves. Opposition parties naturally critique Government policy. But after such a natural calamity, we used to set aside policy critiques and adapt to circumstances, offering active assistance to the Government, thereby helping the people. That is a responsibility.

¶ 04 One example of changed engagement is the well-known “Rathu Tharuwa” (Red Star) movement, which in disasters focuses on action. Some ask, “Where is Red Star now?” It is working—but not visibly as before because we are now in Government. The Red Star works with the people and with Government to lift the country from disaster. What we need to see now are the green, purple, or blue “stars”—but they are not there; we only hear criticism, not action. Fair criticism is fine, but today it is mostly criticism without constructive engagement.

¶ 05 Our society’s response has been exemplary. The innate humanity within our culture shines in such times. Even those we might doubt at other times have joined hands now. We must be among the people to encourage them.

¶ 06 We must also appreciate international assistance. I saw images of Pakistani and Indian jets together—this is an example to the world, and we should value it.

¶ 07 Regarding our State officials, sometimes they are not duly appreciated. I represent Colombo District; from the District Secretary to Divisional Secretaries, Municipal Commissioners, Secretaries, and Office Assistants—all are engaged in substantial work. That deserves appreciation.

¶ 08 Historically, a weakness in disasters has been lack of inter-agency coordination: each department running in its own direction. In this crisis, we succeeded in bringing institutions together—national coordination from one point, provincial from another, district from another—aligning all officials, down to Grama Niladharis, to a common task and goal. Though days have passed, this is not a minor event; it affected 22 districts simultaneously—more widespread than even the tsunami. We must acknowledge the work done. Anyone can say, “If this, then that; if that, then this.” It is easy to instruct from the sidelines. But within actual operations, we know the realities.

¶ 09 Thank you, Hon. Presiding Member.

¶ 10 We believe that, going forward, all must work together to lift the country. Within our ongoing efforts, we have confidence we can rebuild.