Hon. K. Sujith Sanjaya Perera

¶ 01 Madam Presiding Member, I am pleased to speak on this Adjournment Motion on the disaster caused by Cyclone Michaung. Government Ministers this morning said substantial portions of relief have been paid — Rs. 25,000 cleaning to about 80%, Rs. 50,000 household items to 70–75%. In Yatiyantota DS, which I represent, such progress is not evident. Thus, blanket claims are hard to accept.

¶ 02 They also accused the Opposition and our Leader of trying to disrupt efforts. In fact, the Opposition Leader first warned of the impending disaster and urged preparedness. When Parliament met immediately after, he called for declaring a state of emergency to mobilise officials and the armed forces. He then met ambassadors to seek international support for the Government’s relief and rebuilding.

¶ 03 He personally visited affected areas — floods and landslides — assessed needs, and committed to support hospitals serving those areas by donating essential equipment, funded by his salary and private donations, not public funds. In Kegalle, Aranayake and Hemmathagama hospitals received equipment; in Karawanella about Rs. 2.8 million; in Kitulgala about Rs. 3.3 million — all delivered as promised.

¶ 04 Many families have been identified as “high risk.” In Kegalle alone, over 1,500 families; in Yatiyantota DS perhaps 600–700 families. For two months they have been told to vacate but remain with relatives and friends — an untenable long-term solution. Though you say Rs. 25,000 will be paid monthly for three to six months for rent, this is not materialising on the ground. Please ensure timely payments until land is identified and houses built. Do not restrict land only within estates; estate workers are also citizens and may be allocated land outside as needed. Expedite land identification and resettlement.

¶ 05 Thank you.