The Hon. Gamagedara Dissanayake - Deputy Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs

¶ 01 Madam Presiding Member, this morning during the Adjournment Motion on the “Ditva” cyclone, we observed that some in the Opposition presented points and criticism and then promptly walked out. If they bring a motion to provide relief to disaster-affected people, at minimum they should remain in the House to understand matters and discharge their responsibility.

¶ 02 Everyone knows the most severe calamity in recent days is what we just faced. Past disasters cannot be compared. We saw how, at that time, our public service exceeded its regular duties to intervene. Our security forces, too, engaged with great commitment. Voluntary organizations contributed in many ways to recovery. But some in the Opposition acted shamefully then, and now they criticize state intervention.

¶ 03 I recall that a few days after the event, on a Friday, the President addressed Parliament and announced a Rs. 25,000 allowance for all affected. That was Friday. The very next Monday, some leaders went to camps with files asking whether the Rs. 25,000 had arrived. Shameful. How could any system be that instantaneous? This childish behavior makes one question their purpose in bringing today’s motion.

¶ 04 They thought the government would collapse facing this disaster—that poor management would plunge it into crisis, creating an opportunity to form a government quickly. But we managed the disaster properly and moved forward steadily. Unable to bear that, they now craft narratives and images to mislead the public.

¶ 05 The MP who moved today’s motion uttered outright falsehoods about the country and my Matale District. Of 11 Divisional Secretariat Divisions in Matale, 10 were badly affected. She specifically mentioned an incident in Alakolamada in the Rattota Division, where five people died in a landslide. Without waiting for anyone, I was the first politician to climb up from that landslip and reach the site, instruct officials and prepare for burials. After all that, some came, took photos there and immediately posted on Facebook, claiming intervention. It is simply shameful.

¶ 06 It is well known that the highest recorded rainfall in Sri Lankan history fell at Gammaduwa in Ambanganga Korale DS Division, causing great damage. Those now alleging a lack of management are from the SJB-run Ambanganga Korale Pradeshiya Sabha. If they had plans, efficiency, and experience, the PS should have demonstrated leadership. Instead, that PS was among the most inactive of our 18 DS areas during the crisis. The government had to intervene, and we continue to assist activities in that area. The PS chairman can attest to this. But some only thought about how to use the disaster to topple the government.

¶ 07 Now, in their dream world, there is a “future president” preparing suits to become president in 2029—yet coming here to tell blatant lies that we failed to rebuild houses even three months after the disaster. During their time—back in 2012—floods hit our District; 16 families in one DS Division were affected. The NBRO recommended relocation as remaining there was dangerous. Those who are now in the Opposition, who governed later as well, could not implement that decision from 2012 to date. Then compare that with this recent nationwide calamity, where thousands of houses must be rebuilt. The short time elapsed is precisely what they now make an issue of. The people know how they acted in past disasters.

¶ 08 We are intervening to fulfill the needs of those affected by the “8561” disaster. Notably, many Buddhist temples, kovils, churches, and devales were damaged. As a Ministry, we have identified over 1,300 religious sites affected. We have prepared a program to rebuild them quickly and have already begun measures. Among the 1,300+ affected sites are temples, kovils, devales, and churches. We have categorized fully and partially damaged sites and will commence the program accordingly. With the President’s intervention, on the 27th we will launch the rebuilding program for these damaged religious sites. We will give maximum support to all affected people and deliver our interventions within a short time.

¶ 09 Thank you.