The Hon. Presiding Member

¶ 01 Finally, what I have to say is that we are concluding the disaster phase and moving into the rebuilding phase. We are working with confidence in our public officials. All necessary instructions have been given to them. The President has met those officials on many notable occasions. The Commissioner General of Essential Services went to every district affected. We have now identified lands to build houses for the people. As for roads, all broken “A” and “B” class roads will be fully estimated by March 31. We will rebuild everything better than before. You will be able to see the progress yourselves.

¶ 02 We say this to you: a disaster is a disaster. During such times there is a breakdown of conditions. Not everything that happens is because of government fault. Therefore, as the President also stated, we would like to tell the people of this country very responsibly that we will unfailingly help all those affected. Moreover, we will take this country to a better place than it was. We have complete confidence and a plan to do so. Today, look at the major labour operation underway in Badulla and Nuwara Eliya. When did such things happen before? That is my point. Big speeches are made here now. Even the MeeriyaBadda landslide occurred during the period when those of you now in the Opposition were in power. But the houses that those people need are being built now by Minister Samantha Vidyaratne. That is the truth. Hon. Hector Appuhamy, the concrete bridge in your seat of Puttalam was destroyed; such a massive flood came. That bridge is now being rebuilt.

¶ 03 Hon. Moulasanaroos, we are always accountable to our conscience and to the people. Finally, let me say this: even if “Ditcha” could have destroyed everything in our country, it cannot destroy our courage and our commitment to the people. Therefore, we are turning the “shock” from the “Ditcha” storm into a path to regain strength and moving forward. We regret that those who came today to criticize “Ditcha” have themselves been hit by “Ditcha.” Hon. Presiding Member, thank you very much for giving me extra time.