The Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah

¶ 01 Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim.

¶ 02 Hon. Presiding Member, we speak today with deep sorrow over the unprecedented floods and landslides that have caused hundreds of deaths and many missing. Around 1.6 million people have been driven into dire straits, losing homes, belongings, and livelihoods—fishing, agriculture, small industries, businesses. We pray that our country recovers swiftly and strongly.

¶ 03 Beyond all divisions, we must stand as humans with the affected. On behalf of the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress, we extend condolences to the bereaved families. We also appreciate the dedicated efforts of H.E. President Anura Kumara Dissanayaka, the Ministers, Police, and the Tri-Forces—Air Force, Navy, and others. We pray for the Air Force personnel, including the airman who died in a helicopter incident, and for all who sacrificed in rescue.

¶ 04 Having listened to Hon. Bimal Rathnayake and the Hon. Prime Minister, we acknowledge that relief work is proceeding faster than before. The Batticaloa GA, Mr. Arulraj, told me today that full funding has arrived—more than enough—and is available though not yet fully spent. This is a nationwide disaster unlike anything I have seen in 40 years in politics; days are needed to recover, and we must think ahead.

¶ 05 There should be 2–5 District Disaster Management Coordinating Units (DDMCU) per district, but it is insufficient. Under the Disaster Management Act, No. 13 of 2005, each Province should have a Provincial Disaster Management Centre; for 20 years successive governments have failed to establish them. This Government should establish them urgently. In Samanthurai, even the Magistrate noted there was no Disaster Relief Services Officer to coordinate. Appoint dedicated officers at every Divisional Secretariat. Local authorities are under the Provincial Councils, but the DDMCUs are under the Central Government; with a proper provincial setup and centres, we can use the full provincial administrative mechanism during disasters.

¶ 06 During this disaster, communications collapsed—telephones, mobiles—and even I could not call for days. Of the 77 tsunami-era early warning towers, not a single one functioned this time. The Government must fix this urgently. Establish radio communication between District and Divisional Secretaries for immediate response.

¶ 07 In Batticaloa, about 35,000 people are affected; I thank the Government for efforts to restore normalcy, including rapid deployment of boats. For the future, provide each district with adequate boats, engines, and life jackets. Expedite the long-delayed Mundeni Aru flood mitigation project—the Government has allocated initial funds; if completed urgently, it will prevent recurrent flooding in Batticaloa.

¶ 08 Also, identify flood safety centres and build three-storey school buildings at four locations in Batticaloa so people can be moved immediately to safety during floods.

¶ 09 I visited Malwana in the Deputy Minister Muneer Mulaffer’s electorate; the devastation is severe. Every year Malwana floods; about Rs. 15 billion in property was lost just in that town. A bund exists from Peliyagoda up to Kelani Rajamaha Viharaya, protecting that area. Extending the bund on both sides beyond the Viharaya would protect Biyagama Zone, Kadawatha, Sapugaskanda, Malwana, Biyagama, and on the other side Wellampitiya, Kolonnawa, Ambatale, Angoda, and Kaduwela. Under President Ranil Wickremesinghe, initial steps and World Bank talks were held to extend the bund. Please revive this with the Government to save these areas from destruction.

¶ 10 We should also engage the U.S. Government to seek immediate tariff relief, as we are severely affected by this disaster, and discuss with the IMF to extend debt repayments or secure urgent financing. I am ready to extend full cooperation. Thank you.