The Hon. (Mrs.) Rohini Kumari Wijerathna

¶ 01 Hon. Speaker, I move the following Adjournment Motion:

¶ 02 “The devastation caused by Cyclone ‘Ditwah’ in the country is immense. The Government cannot evade responsibility for the loss of life and property that occurred due to inadequate attention to, or disregard of, meteorological forecasts and warnings issued in advance. Up to now, the Government has failed to present clear data and a coherent plan regarding the hour before the disaster, the moment of the disaster, and post-disaster management.

¶ 03 Post-disaster rebuilding is the re-establishment of damaged systems. Except for lost lives, re-establishing damaged systems is a responsibility of the Government: providing compensation for damaged property and lost lives; identifying suitable temporary and permanent resettlement; restoring livelihoods; developing basic infrastructure in alternative locations; providing necessary communications and social linkages in designated settlement areas; implementing measures to control biological disease outbreaks; and establishing a structured programme for psychosocial post-disaster care. The Government has not demonstrated a scientific approach in these domains.

¶ 04 Post-disaster management appears to have been converted into a government publicity project, with all relief activities turned into media showcases. Divisional Secretaries have encountered many problems in disbursing compensation for damaged houses and houses at risk of landslides. The Association of Divisional Secretaries and Assistant Divisional Secretaries has formally requested clear written guidelines specifying what compensation amounts apply to which categories of damage. The National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) has failed to issue written guidance—only oral instructions—about risk zones, which is a serious deficiency. The United Grama Niladhari Officers’ Association has also emphasized that no guidelines have been issued regarding people still staying in displacement camps. There are reports of attempts to resettle such displaced persons back in the same landslide-prone areas without proper environmental assessment or guidance. It is a serious challenge to repair damaged property, roads and bridges in the Central, Uva and Sabaragamuwa Provinces.

¶ 05 Therefore, a proper plan for structured disaster management must be immediately prepared and presented. All Members of Parliament and all people’s representatives in local authorities must be actively involved. An emergency disaster management plan should be prepared utilizing international studies and benchmarks and implemented without delay.”

¶ 06 Hon. Speaker, how many more minutes do I have?