The Hon. (Dr.) Madhura Senevirathna - Deputy Minister of Education and Higher Education

¶ 01 Mr. Presiding Member, the “8561” cyclone severely affected public life; over 2.2 million people were impacted. Regarding preparedness, some Opposition claims were raised. We held several rounds of discussions with experts to understand what happened. Key issues emerged: lack of proper land-use planning, settlements on steep slopes causing soil exposure, and blocking natural water flows—three primary drivers of landslide risk. We will henceforth conduct all resettlement and rebuilding under proper land-use plans, in areas not prone to landslides.

¶ 02 Internationally, there is strong confidence in our disaster relief approach. We have a cash buffer for disaster recovery—Rs. 500 billion available without taking loans or increasing taxes—evidence of prior preparedness. Policymaking must consider how to move forward amidst changing climatic conditions.

¶ 03 In education, about 16% of schools—1,682—were affected; 137 were severely damaged, mostly in Sabaragamuwa and Uva. Around 822,000 students and 48,700 teachers and staff were impacted. About 2,700 preschools—roughly 15–20%—were affected. Critically, this occurred during the A‑Level exam.

¶ 04 Our plans included immediate, medium-, and long‑term measures. First, we granted Rs. 15,000–25,000 to students to maintain learning continuity; we educated students on disaster conduct; we arranged temporary learning at relief centers; provided access to the nearest schools for those without transport; and enabled teachers and staff to report to nearest locations. Boarding facilities at schools were made available where possible. We adjusted the academic calendar—for Grade 6 and upwards, and for Grade 11 exams—with structured remedial programs. We relaxed uniform requirements in affected provinces so students could attend in any attire. Through e‑Thaksalawa, we provided digital lessons, textbooks, and exam materials. We have scheduled actions from January–March and April–end‑2026. In the immediate term, we are providing 80,000 students with water bottles, schoolbags, and materials.

¶ 05 For teachers, we’re running programs alongside a focus on digital learning, which we are rolling out gradually. In the long term, we plan reconstruction in 101 schools, with intensive development in 36 severely affected schools. Higher education was also hit—University of Peradeniya suffered damage; we have provided facilities, and with Indian assistance are upgrading libraries and labs. In TVET, 30 institutions are under repair.

¶ 06 We observed strong student participation—especially from Moratuwa and Colombo Universities—in coordination with the Disaster Management Centre, and Peradeniya students in cleanup and rebuilding. Geology students assisted NBRO’s workload. We appreciate their contribution and will continue engaging communities and students.

¶ 07 Examinations: the Department of Examinations ensured that no question or answer scripts were damaged, and exams proceeded without incident—thanks to the combined efforts of officials, the public, and political authorities. Thank you for the time.