The Hon. Ananda Wijepala - Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs

¶ 01 Hon. Chairman, during this national calamity some Opposition Members are circulating falsehoods. If they truly wish to help, they should refrain from spreading disinformation.

¶ 02 The Met Department issued early warnings from the morning of the 25th. From that time, we, as a Government, activated all necessary measures. Police and our public representatives used public address systems through local authorities to evacuate people from danger zones. Many were moved; a few chose to stay. All possible steps were taken.

¶ 03 From 10.00 a.m. on the 25th, every related state institution was active. I must thank all officials—from Grama Niladharis up to Secretaries—who worked tirelessly. On the President’s instructions, circulars were relaxed and new ones issued to expedite action. With early warnings, the RDA and the water management authorities began coordinated reservoir management. The tri-forces were deployed; the Navy positioned boats across regions. Police used loudhailers to warn and evacuate people.

¶ 04 I personally visited flood-affected areas in Nikaweratiya and Galgamuwa and oversaw rescue operations. Nationwide, Navy boats and private boats were mobilized extensively. Officials were not afraid; they performed with sacrifice. Five Naval officers, one Police officer and one Air Force officer lost their lives in the line of duty. From the day of the warning, officials managed the disaster. The National Council for Disaster Management, which had not met for seven years, was reconvened under the President in August; decisions were taken and groundwork laid. Since then, we have continuously focused on disaster management.

¶ 05 Post-disaster, we have commenced relief. Over 1,433 safety centres sheltered more than 410,000 persons. Each family returning home will receive Rs. 25,000 in cash today and tomorrow for essential household items. Rs. 10 billion has been sent to District Secretaries for immediate payments, with modalities to pay in cash given ID/bank account constraints. Valuation committees at every Divisional Secretariat are assessing house damages on-site. Crop damage is extensive; enumerations are underway to provide compensation.

¶ 06 Some in the Opposition may propagate falsehoods, but the people know how rescues and relief were conducted. International agencies have commended our processes. We invite the Opposition to work together; disinformation only fuels fear among victims. We are also focusing on business losses and on restoring paddy, vegetable, chilli and other cultivations with data collection ongoing to design assistance. We will also plan for resettlement of those in unsafe locations; instructions have been issued to District and Divisional Secretaries.

¶ 07 I again thank all state officials, Police and the tri-forces, who have worked 18–20 hours a day to manage this disaster and safeguard the displaced. Let us see the truth as it is and not be swayed by false propaganda. Thank you.