The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Chairperson, in this Adjournment Debate we are discussing the impacts of the “Ditva” cyclone and subsequent reconstruction measures. The disaster impacted almost all districts. In the limited time, it is impossible to relay every complaint from all quarters. Beyond immediate relief and compensation, reconstruction and infrastructure works must be designed so they are resilient to future impacts; the Government must pay attention to this. It is crucial.

¶ 02 Regarding a matter raised by my colleague from Ampara, Hon. Kodeeswaran: the Thirukkovil cemetery and the Maligaikadu Muslim burial ground under the Karaitivu Pradeshiya Sabha have been severely affected by coastal erosion, with bodies being washed into the sea — a tragic situation. While we could not visit Thirukkovil, we visited Maligaikadu and witnessed the suffering, where even burial grounds are no longer secure.

¶ 03 Coastal erosion has long affected many areas in Ampara and the Eastern Province — particularly Nintavur — and now Maligaikadu and Kalmunai are losing land. For Sainthamaruthu and Maligaikadu, with about 5,000 families, alternative land must be secured for the burial ground. The Coast Conservation Department has reportedly allocated Rs. 20 million. But with only that amount, how can we protect the entire stretch from Nintavur to Kalmunai and Thirukkovil? This allocation must be increased and permanent revetments built.

¶ 04 Kalmunai’s historic Nagoor Andakoi Valiyullah coastal mosque (Kudiyeatrupalli), and the nearby Masjidul Falah (100 years old), face erosion threats. Land and coconut trees have been washed away, the sanitation block is destroyed, and the fishermen’s rest house is collapsing. We need scientifically designed groynes and boulder revetments to protect the remaining land and these heritage mosques. An annual kandoori is held there by Gazette; devotees come from across the country. The Government should take due care.

¶ 05 In Batticaloa District, the Punani anicut and Pothana areas have suffered. At Kaluwamadu, the “mandu” bund has breached; paddy fields in Pothana are inundated and destroyed. The concrete road in Pothana has broken into segments. Since the bund remains unrepaired, water continues to escape, further damaging fields. This bund must be repaired urgently.

¶ 06 During our recent visit to Mutur to review relief, we found confusion in implementing circulars for compensation: Rs. 25,000 was broadly disbursed, but the Rs. 50,000 kitchen repair assistance faces issues. The Rs. 200,000 grant for small businesses was also unclear because of ambiguous criteria about “value-added businesses.” For instance, many dry-fish makers in Mutur ask whether dried fish constitutes value addition. Due to these ambiguities, officials hesitate, delaying assistance. The circulars must be clarified so rightful beneficiaries receive aid promptly.

¶ 07 In Kandy District, multiple areas were hit. I must thank those who helped us — Hon. Hisbullah and A.L.M. Athaullah facilitated local authority assistance to clear debris; Hon. Uthumalebbe sent heavy machinery from Addalaichenai. In Kelaniya town and villages like Egoda Kalugamuwa, Parana Elpitiya, and along Keli Oya, immediate relief faced delays, though matters have eased somewhat; many still await the Rs. 50,000 payment. There is confusion determining fully versus partially damaged houses and whether to pay Rs. 5 million or Rs. 2.5 million; the Government’s scheme is to pay Rs. 50,000 upfront to those eventually entitled to Rs. 2.5 million, with the balance after assessments. But there is public confusion, and the Government Officers’ association has reportedly withdrawn from damage assessment for the Rs. 5 million payments, as per The Morning yesterday. Officials are reluctant due to unclear circulars. The Government must resolve these ambiguities.

¶ 08 In Yatinuwara, Dehianga North GN area has about 370 families; 35 houses partially and eight fully damaged; they have so far received only Rs. 25,000. Only a GN and another officer visited; the Divisional Secretary and NBRO have not. Without NBRO reports, people fear they will not get compensation. Schools are also affected: at Padagolladeniya (in Galhinna/Harispattuwa/Poojapitiya D.S. area), a 12-year-old died due to landslide; buildings are unusable; the boundary wall to the lower ground is broken; NBRO has not yet visited. At Andiyakadawatha Al-Hikma, UNICEF has offered six temporary classrooms, but permanent buildings and retaining structures are necessary. Zahira National School needs six temporary classrooms and significant slope stabilization. At Kahattapitiya Al-Mina Primary, classes are to be temporarily shifted near Zahira Primary ground. A new Task Force has been gazetted; its operations must be expanded and publicized.

¶ 09 There should also be an appeals mechanism against NBRO determinations; otherwise affected persons have no recourse. Please establish such a process. Thank you.