The Hon. Major General (Retd.) Aruna Jayasekera - Deputy Minister of Defence

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, participating in the Adjournment Debate brought by the Opposition regarding the current situation in the country after the “Ditcha” cyclone, the Government’s Ministers and Members throughout today have presented, with data and in detail, the orderly program of the Government. The Member who moved the Adjournment Motion attempted to critique and dismiss the Government’s program, stating, among other things, that data on the damages from the “Ditcha” cyclone have not been compiled and that funds have not been properly given to affected people. However, we can see that the severity of the disasters caused by the “Ditcha” cyclone increased due to the results of decades of improper state management—particularly the severe damage done to the environment. For decades we saw a heap of results from politically immature decisions by governing regimes that misruled. After our Government came to power, Ministers with knowledge, capacity, intellect and experience in the respective subjects have been appointed to the Ministries. Accordingly, in areas such as Environment, Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation, Highways, and Urban Development, we have appointed those with special capacities and experience. They have studied their subjects, acquired specialized knowledge and guidance, and are focusing closely on them. They have practically analyzed the situation created by the “Ditcha” cyclone, attending to needs from the local level up to the national level.

¶ 02 It is clear when you go to the areas you represent and see for yourself how accurate the data are. The relevant Ministries have policy-based laws for their sectors, and actions must be conducted in compliance with them. The claim that no clear and proper program has been presented was primarily what was conveyed.

¶ 03 I must particularly say that, after the “Ditcha” cyclone, our National Council for Disaster Management has met from time to time and taken policy decisions. Parliament has been informed accordingly. These matters were also discussed in committee meetings. Based on that, the relief that must be given continuously to the affected people is being provided through a long-term program under the Post-Disaster Needs Assessment methodology. Under that, institutions established in Sri Lanka representing international organizations, following globally accepted methodologies, carry out the assessment. The Disaster Management Centre, the National Centre for Disaster Relief Services, the National Building Research Organisation (NBRO), and all Ministries and state institutions are involved. Plans have been prepared accordingly and we are moving this program forward.

¶ 04 It has been about seven weeks since the “Ditcha” cyclone occurred. Within those seven weeks, the volume of work we have completed is considerable. How many circulars have we issued to District Secretaries, Divisional Secretaries, and other government officials to facilitate their tasks? Actions are taken accordingly. Apart from loss of life, restoring other livelihoods and infrastructure is the Government’s responsibility. We have taken it as a Government obligation and, liaising with all institutions, are paying compensation for damaged property and lives in a very systematic manner. We may not be able to achieve one hundred percent success. There may be some delays or shortcomings. We are managing those as well, re-discussing and proceeding.

¶ 05 I must note that the NBRO’s staff is limited for carrying out these tasks. However, in the landslide-affected areas, inspections of 24,930 fully damaged houses—nearly 25,000—have been completed and handed over to the respective District and Divisional Secretaries. Members of the Opposition said here since morning that the NBRO is not doing its work properly. But 25,000 in seven weeks is what has been done. They have even drawn on university expertise to carry out these tasks. Accordingly, under the concept of “Rebuilding Sri Lanka”, a special Presidential Task Force has been established and is already implementing this work nationally.

¶ 06 We especially thank all parties who have been involved. Whatever the Opposition brings, as a Government we are well prepared to face anything. Bring whatever you wish; we are particularly ready to face it. We can answer, and we can work. We will go to the ground, work practically, and demonstrate it. We are ready to continue this work until 2040 and show results.

¶ 07 Thank you very much.

¶ 08 It being 5.30 p.m., The Hon. Presiding Member adjourned Parliament without Question put.

¶ 09 Parliament adjourned accordingly until 9.30 a.m. on Thursday, 22nd January, 2026.