The Hon. Kanthasamy Prabu

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Chairperson, I express deepest condolences to the families of those who died due to the “Dissha” cyclone. In Batticaloa District, about 12,469 families and 37,389 individuals were affected. We took precautionary measures to safeguard them. All 14 Divisional Secretariat divisions recorded flood impacts. In Eravur Pattu Division, 64 families were housed in eight temporary shelters; in Valaichenai, 235 families in two shelters; in Koralaipattu West, 179 families in one shelter; in Koralaipattu South, 107 families in four shelters; in Vakarai, 20 persons in one shelter. For Eastern University students who could not obtain food, we arranged supplies promptly.

¶ 02 This cyclone caused a major calamity; landslides in the hills took many lives. As a government, we made preventive arrangements, resulting in fewer deaths. We released emergency funds to meet people’s needs. Under this government, the highest level of disaster relief funding has been released. To expedite relief, we gave an advance of Rs. 500,000 to each Divisional Secretariat and Rs. 50,000 to each Grama Niladhari to spend immediately. Circulars were amended to ease procedures. Before the disaster, the Hon. President convened us in Parliament, instructing that there be no hindrance to protecting people and that necessary funds would be provided immediately. I went to Batticaloa during the difficulties; earlier, Hon. Sunil Handunnetti rushed there, guided officials, imposed controls, and stayed 3–4 days to reduce impacts and protect people. I thank him.

¶ 03 In past floods, some politicians distributed noodles and now show accounts of “millions” spent—those were election expenses for handing out yellow packets during local polls, not for the people. Be cautious receiving such “help”—they may demand repayment later.

¶ 04 We cannot call disaster deaths a “massacre.” This disaster hit many Asian countries including Thailand; past disasters also claimed lives. Misusing the term is wrong. He is my friend; I hope he corrects himself. People in Batticaloa know him well. Perhaps his party seeks to topple the government by allying with old friends, touring the North with someone—fine, identify issues and solutions—but you cannot control us through another government’s agenda. Our NPP government acts honestly, directly channeling foreign aid to people, without corruption. I conclude.