The Hon. B. Ariyawansha

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Chairperson, in addition to the Budget, we must speak on the current national disaster. Due to the “Dissha” cyclone, floods and landslides have affected over 1.5 million of our people; over a thousand have died; more than 4,000 houses are fully or partially damaged—a massive disaster. I extend condolences and sorrow to all families of the deceased.

¶ 02 We know heavy rains earlier in the month caused damage; then on the 27th and 28th, intense rains and cyclonic conditions brought great suffering. The tri-forces, officials and police worked together to save lives and protect property; we must appreciate their sacrifice. Government and Opposition MPs also worked hard in their areas. Our Leader, Hon. Sajith Premadasa, consistently went among the affected and did everything an Opposition can do; our organizers and local members mobilized to serve the people—we thank him.

¶ 03 Government Members made various accusations against the Opposition. In many villages we went to, no government representative had come—only the Grama Niladhari, Development Officer and Divisional Secretary. The Opposition’s intervention was widely visible.

¶ 04 Major media channels should not be maligned. They performed a major duty—informing the public—especially Sirasa, Hiru and Derana. Through their drives, large quantities of relief were collected and distributed to the displaced. That is commendable, not to be attacked. Dilith Jayaweera too pledged to build houses for the displaced; we saw him speak. Let us speak with understanding.

¶ 05 In Ratnapura District—Kolonna, Rakwana, Weligepola, Balangoda, Nivithigala—many are displaced. There is also landslide risk; many risky slopes are identified and people evacuated to schools, temples and other places. However, so far, the government has not provided sufficient assistance to them. In my area, in the Kelikanda village of the Pupulketiya GN Division, 16 families are displaced, staying in various places. They received only Rs. 3,100 per week—since November 22 when the area became landslide-prone. For two weeks, only Rs. 3,100 was given. They need allocations for necessities and also a programme to provide suitable land and houses.

¶ 06 In Suriya-Kanda and Alutkella, the displaced were given only seven perches of land. Twenty years ago, after a landslide, they still spend every rainy season in schools. There is ample vacant land in the division. Seven perches is inadequate; at least 15–20 perches should be allocated so they can build. Provide facilities for housing now, not sending them back to schools every rain. If there is no space, consider multi-storey housing with facilities.

¶ 07 We also saw partial damage grants of Rs. 10,000–20,000—insufficient even to buy a few sheets. For fully damaged houses, at least Rs. 2.5 million is needed to build; for partially damaged, a proportionately higher amount is required. Please increase these amounts.

¶ 08 Once more, we express sorrow for lives lost and losses suffered. Thank you for the time, Hon. Deputy Chairperson.