The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education

¶ 01 Thank you, Hon. Presiding Member.

¶ 02 Over the past several days we faced one of the greatest and most tragic disasters in our country’s history. First, I extend my deepest sympathies to all our fellow citizens who lost their lives, were displaced, lost property, or were otherwise affected. As a Government, we will provide every possible form of assistance to rebuild the lives, homes, businesses and properties of all who were displaced or affected.

¶ 03 Hon. Presiding Member, during the past few days, especially our public officials and people’s representatives worked tirelessly, providing maximum support to rescue our fellow citizens and to deliver relief. They continue to do so today. I extend my special thanks to all government and opposition people’s representatives who, together with state officials, worked in unison. I also thank all those who, through word and deed, gave us strength. In confronting this challenge, we witnessed among our people unity, courage, compassion, empathy and a willingness to help one another. These qualities gave us immense strength to carry forward an extremely difficult operation in a very hard time.

¶ 04 I pay my respects to the Sri Lanka Army, Navy, Air Force, Police, other state officials and all emergency response units who exerted themselves to rescue affected people and bring them to safety. We also witnessed instances where individuals sacrificed their lives to save others—rare acts of heroism. I pay my respects, again and again, to all of them. I especially honour Group Captain Nirmal Siyambalapitiya of the Bell 212 helicopter of the Sri Lanka Air Force that met with an accident during rescue operations at Chennappuwa, Lunuwila and Gin Oya; and the five Navy personnel who went missing while widening the Kalapuwa (moya) at Chundikulam to control flooding. We will never forget their heroism in risking their lives to save thousands.

¶ 05 Our Governors, District and Divisional Secretaries, Grama Niladharis, local authority officials, and all officers in those institutions, as well as essential service providers, are operating directly in the field at this difficult time. We deeply appreciate their service.

¶ 06 I also extend special thanks to the Disaster Management Centre, Department of Meteorology, staff of the telecom providers, Ceylon Electricity Board, National Water Supply and Drainage Board, Road Development Authority and the leadership and staff of all such institutions for their contribution. In extremely difficult conditions, their interventions to restore essential services and return normalcy to people’s lives are outstanding.

¶ 07 To our health sector—doctors, nursing officers, hospital staff, Public Health Inspectors, Family Health Service Officers and community health workers—I offer my respect for their dedication.

¶ 08 We must also remember with gratitude our venerable clergy across religious places, priests and lay volunteers, youth groups, student groups, women’s groups and numerous community organizations who, expecting nothing in return, have worked for days—and are still working—to provide relief to the affected. The greatest strength of Sri Lankans is the humane heart that recognizes the other with empathy. I also thank our friendly foreign countries and partners.

¶ 09 To the foreign nations, international organizations and multilateral agencies that stepped forward, expressed solidarity, and are already providing services, personnel and equipment, and asked how they can help—we deeply appreciate your generosity and, most importantly, your solidarity and assurance to stand with us during this difficult period.

¶ 10 I also thank the Sri Lankan diaspora who, as always in times of crisis, have set aside differences and mobilized massive campaigns to collect funds, equipment and supplies. Your support not only helps directly but also gives us courage to move forward.

¶ 11 I thank the media personnel who continuously and accurately updated the public, media institutions that informed the people with truthful information, social media activists, and citizens who shared reliable, responsible information. Their service in guiding rescue efforts, ensuring proper management and safe public guidance is invaluable.

¶ 12 At the same time, Hon. Presiding Member, we have seen some individuals spreading misinformation for various gains. Managing this responsibly and sharing accurate information is critical. I urge everyone to communicate responsibly and with an understanding of the gravity of this moment.

¶ 13 Education too faces immense challenges. As Minister of Education, I must speak to that. I extend heartfelt thanks to the Secretary to the Ministry of Education, officials and all staff, the Commissioner General of Examinations, the Deputy Commissioners General and the entire Department of Examinations. From the moment this calamity was anticipated and then occurred, they worked around the clock. They safeguarded question papers and completed answer scripts, secured examination centres, and ensured continuity of the process under extremely difficult conditions, showing professionalism and dedication.

¶ 14 I recall with sorrow the Assistant Coordinating Officer at the regional collection centre at Talawakele Suman Maha Vidyalaya, whose wife and children lost their lives due to a landslide while he was on duty. Even in that moment, he and his colleagues did not falter in ensuring the security of examination papers. I extend sincere gratitude to principals, teachers and staff who worked day and night to secure schools, support affected families, and ensure examinations continued without disruption; to Provincial Education Secretaries, Provincial Directors and all provincial and district education authorities. Your dedication amid disaster is exemplary. My respect also to the staff of the Department of Examinations and the Ministry for rapid coordination, communications and information management. I am grateful to the leadership and staff of Higher Education, Vocational Education and all affiliated institutions for resources, facilities and trained personnel, reflecting true national solidarity. Our key responsibility has been to ensure uninterrupted education and restore students’ psychosocial wellbeing—we will continue to support that. The President has announced Rs. 25,000 for every affected school child through the President’s Fund. Through such measures, we reaffirm our commitment to keep education going.

¶ 15 The collective efforts through Ministry schools, provincial and district structures and universities show our system is more than institutions—it is one family. Our strength is our people—their compassionate hearts and resilience. Even a mother who could afford only a packet of paracetamol came forward—that is compassion, generosity and unity. This is a hard moment and a challenging journey ahead. We must act with compassion, love and understanding. The pain for those who lost lives will never leave our hearts, but we must move forward, lift each other and rise—together, with courage and new resolve. I thank all who place trust in and work with the Government’s efforts.

¶ 16 I also appeal to all parties: set aside colours and join to rebuild the country. Despite power outages and difficulties in water and food supplies, the patience shown by our people demonstrates the strength of the nation. I honour your contributions, courage and unity. Let us overcome this challenge together.

¶ 17 Thank you.