The Hon. Rohana Bandara

¶ 01 Hon. Chairman, we are on the final day of the debate on the 2026 Budget. We listened to all speakers today; hardly anyone spoke about the Budget document itself. Everyone spoke about the disaster the country faced, and government Members focused on blaming past governments to show themselves off. That is why our Leader, Hon. Sajith Premadasa, said this Budget too has become just a book like previous ones. If we proceed with such a Budget, can we meet expenditure lines and targets? Given today’s situation, we cannot.

¶ 02 If the Treasury has funds that the government claims to spend on relief for displaced people and reconstruction, would it not be practical to convert this into a special budget for disaster relief? Since discussing the Budget is impractical now, let us focus on remedies needed, remedies already taken, and the challenges ahead—for the people affected across the country including Anuradhapura.

¶ 03 Our previous reference is the tsunami. If the foreign aid then, and donations from our philanthropists, had been properly managed, we could have rebuilt the country fully. The tsunami mainly affected coastal districts; now nearly the whole country—district by district, D.S. division by division—is affected. Instead of partisan bickering, we should discuss how to rebuild as the legislature responsible to the people. Leadership should come from the government with a majority. Rather than boasting that you can manage, we must act together, beyond party lines, pooling diverse skills.

¶ 04 Regrettably, listening today drives us back to the past. Even the storm’s name “Dissha” reminds us: let us not blame others, but reflect in the mirror—how current leaders behaved politically during disasters when in Opposition. This is about reaping what you sow; do not forget past conduct.

¶ 05 Let us, the political class and all citizens, discuss how to emerge from this, rather than merely accusing each other. Many current Members were in other parties then and may not recall the JVP’s constant cautions. I suggest they review how their leaders, including former Ministers, behaved then.

¶ 06 We saw one lady MP’s conduct—always seeking the limelight—attacking Derana TV. Derana did not target any party; they hosted an informative segment with the Director-General of the Met Department. Grabbing his words, they tried to cover their own failings, even dragging the channel owner and announcer. Is that right? BBC too reported similarly. Instead of politicizing, the Disaster Management Committee should have met to prepare. Do not grandstand; act responsibly.

¶ 07 About Anuradhapura: one-third of cultivated land—over 71,000 acres—has been affected; two-thirds of that severely. This is from the Rajanganaya agrarian centre’s preliminary figures; the final total may be higher. This threatens future food security.

¶ 08 The Agricultural and Farmers’ Insurance Board typically pays Rs. 40,000 per full crop loss. Many now have partial loss—so Rs. 8,000–16,000. But in some fields, soil has been scoured four feet deep; paddy fields buried in silt and sand. You cannot restore such lands with Rs. 8,000 or Rs. 16,000. Please set aside rigid thresholds and make practical assessments to provide fair compensation to rehabilitate these fields promptly.

¶ 09 For damaged houses, media say Rs. 25,000 instead of Rs. 10,000 will be provided to return home. In Anuradhapura, I have not yet seen anyone receive Rs. 25,000. Many returned home thanks to voluntarism and mutual help—cleaning and settling back. If funds are allocated, when will they be disbursed? Set up a mechanism to release quickly, rather than just debating. Also, do not subject people to intrusive means-testing at this moment; disaster hits all, regardless of previous status. Provide the basic relief to all affected.

¶ 10 There is much more to say nationally and about my district. I regret government Members cling to old-style politics and point-scoring. We could have made this an unanimously passed special budget for relief by extending a week—setting a historic example of unity. Because of obstinacy, we lost that chance. With that regret, I express condolences to all affected and conclude.

¶ 11 Thank you.