The Hon. Rohana Bandara

¶ 01 Madam Presiding Member, this is the moment to discuss the measures taken by the State after the “8967” cyclone to restore the lives of those affected, and their pros and cons.

¶ 02 The government says it managed things well. That is fine—that is what a government with state power, finances, and manpower is supposed to do. But can you return lost lives? If you can, do it—then you are right.

¶ 03 This devastation happened because of poor management—failing to heed and act on Met Department warnings by lowering reservoir levels in time; instead, water overtopped and burst through spillways causing damage. Now do you plan to cover it all up with money?

¶ 04 You said Rs. 1 million per roof sheet; now it is reduced to Rs. 500,000. Circulars needed to release funds are not properly issued, leaving Grama Niladharis and Divisional Secretaries stuck. Fix the procedural issues and pay people.

¶ 05 Some government speakers insulted TV channels—calling them “dog channels.” But thanks to those channels, the public learned the truth. Without them, your YouTubers would have hidden reality and claimed “we did well.” Because those channels reported the facts, you could not continue the charade. Now you flail and talk to hide your incapacity. You owe action to the affected people.

¶ 06 The Hon. Deputy Minister from Matale said he brought five corpses and claimed our Ambanganga Korale Pradeshiya Sabha was inactive. But what did you provide there? We sent money and vehicles from party funds to organize relief. Did you go to rescue the 90 people trapped at the Nagala Christian Church? You went after the five had died. It was the Opposition that rescued those 90, bringing 60 of them out—our MPs, including our MP, led a team. Do not run propaganda to hide your incompetence now; everyone must work together.

¶ 07 The Leader of the Opposition is doing what you cannot—touring with the “Husma” program and providing hospitals with needed facilities—while you display your incapacity.

¶ 08 At Rajanganaya, who suddenly released water to roof level for buses stuck for hours? Rajanganaya reservoir has never overflowed at the spillway like that; instead of managing releases gradually, you waited and then suddenly released large volumes, sweeping a bus away, people escaping onto the roof. You hid the Met Department head, threatened by the Defence Secretary to suppress the truth.

¶ 09 Despite all this, the people know the truth. We are not in a rush; destiny gave you this power so the people can see your deeds. We are not rushing for a December presidential election. The people will grant us power at the right time after observing your actions. We are fulfilling our Opposition duties—from local councillors to every MP and activist. We do not control the Treasury; we help rebuild lives with what we have. The Leader of the Opposition is asking foreign missions to help rebuild the country even when you say, “Please, don’t, don’t bring leaves and give.” We are not a cursed Opposition—we are doing our duty. Do not think you can hide your incapacity.

¶ 10 The Hon. CSB Kumari Wijerathna, who moved today’s motion, did not hide. All MPs have been here over a year; Parliament functions not only in this Chamber—how many committees are sitting now? Must the mover sit here like a rock? And how many of your own members are in the Chamber now? Present arguments that are logical and practical.

¶ 11 On education reforms—you blame us. Your group tried to protest in Anuradhapura and could not gather even 20 people without bringing in a crowd from Kurunegala. You claim we stopped reforms, but who inserted obscene words into the modules? Without that, the modules would be in use by now. As it is, students in Grade 6 still lack textbooks to start the new term. The reform process began in 2021, paused in 2022 due to the pandemic, and when you resumed it you tainted it with profanity. Had you not, Grade 6 students would be learning under the new system today. You ruined it and now blame the Opposition.

¶ 12 You politicize everything—even the Scout Movement. For years the Scouts operated independently. Now permission for another “independent” scout movement was requested by one of your YouTubers, a leader of your agitation; you have betrayed the existing Scouts.

¶ 13 You call some channels “dog channels” while you try to control all state media. The “Karaṭa Kara” political program on National Television has been stopped since December. Why? Because you cannot tolerate criticism. You attack Derana and Hiru channels, and shut down political programs on state TV to block Opposition voices—though when you were in Opposition you had ample opportunity to appear on “Karaṭa Kara.”

¶ 14 The “Ditva” cyclone destroyed vast tracts of agriculture. Have you completed compensation? You claim 80–90% progress. In Anuradhapura, tens of thousands of hectares were damaged, but compensation has been paid for only a few thousand hectares. You also say no compensation for half-damaged crops. The paddy harvest is now being reaped—are you ready to purchase at fair prices? Have you opened sufficient storage? Have you increased the price for Nadu by at least Rs. 5 per kg over the last Yala price? This season has more Nadu, and yields have dropped due to disease. Will you ensure farmers profit?

¶ 15 Finally, have you completed fertilizer support? In Anuradhapura, out of 125,000 hectares, 80,000 have not received the second fertilizer subsidy, and 10,000 have not even received the first. Presidents who shouted, “We did it,” saw what happened to them—do not follow that path. Govern a year or two more; when your misdeeds are fully seen, the people will give their verdict. Then you can see whether you get even 3%.

¶ 16 Today you insulted a former President’s son. Who made his father President? Those who toiled to make him President now curse the son because of having a President from their party. Do not curse sons after making their fathers President. I conclude by wishing you strength to rebuild the lives of those afflicted by the “Ditva” cyclone.

¶ 17 Thank you.