Hon. Ruwanthilaka Jayakody

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Chairperson, Cyclone “Michaung” is the worst natural disaster Sri Lanka has faced in terms of physical damage — about USD 4.1 billion, roughly 4% of GDP — and over 640 deaths. The Government mobilised the full state machinery to manage it: Grama Niladharis, Divisional Secretaries, District Secretaries and all relevant officials.

¶ 02 Certain media tried to push misleading narratives. Scientifically, “Michaung” developed very close to Sri Lanka, entered from the southeast, moved slowly across the island and exited near the northeast coast, lingering for over 48 hours and causing continuous heavy rain, particularly in the central highlands. By contrast, “Burevi” developed far away, skimmed the northeast coast and crossed in about 12–14 hours, mainly affecting the north. Hence, higher impacts from Michaung and shorter lead times for forecasts. The Department of Meteorology, supported by regional and international data, issued warnings promptly.

¶ 03 After the catastrophic 1970 “Bhola” cyclone over Bangladesh, the WMO and ESCAP established the Panel on Tropical Cyclones (1972) and the Regional Specialized Meteorological Centre (RSMC) in New Delhi under the India Meteorological Department, mandated to monitor the North Indian Ocean (Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea). The RSMC continuously tracks disturbances via satellite, radar and models, issues advisories, and our Department of Meteorology relays and localises them. For Michaung, early river flood warnings were issued on 25 November by the Irrigation Department using Met forecasts — this is how the system works.

¶ 04 Countries like the Philippines face around 17 natural disasters annually and have population-level preparedness. Sri Lanka faces major events far less frequently; hence less experience. We must therefore invest in equipment, data and technical capacity. Even advanced Western Europe saw 220 deaths in 2021 floods despite modern systems, and they are upgrading based on lessons learned.

¶ 05 Climate change and human activities are intensifying extremes. Global cooperation is essential. We responded strongly; we cannot restore lost lives, but we will do all possible to rebuild livelihoods. Thank you.