The Hon. (Mrs.) Sagarika Athauda, Attorney-at-Law

¶ 01 Thank you for the opportunity, Hon. Deputy Chairperson. As a Member representing a district that faced this massive natural disaster, I express my deepest condolences to all who suffered, lost loved ones, and whose properties were damaged.

¶ 02 From this morning’s debate one thing is clear: the Opposition tries to portray this as a minor natural event. But this is one of the greatest natural disasters in our history, with over 500 mm of rainfall in some areas. Most deaths occurred due to landslides. As a district, we experienced this first-hand. The Opposition ignores what they have not seen. Only we know the extent of effort taken to protect people. On the 27th, we convened the District Disaster Management Committee, assigned responsibilities to agencies, and decided how to evacuate people from high‑risk areas. From that day, day and night, we evacuated people from unsafe locations to relatives’ homes and to safe shelters, and where needed established protective camps. State officials, political authorities, and volunteer groups worked without pause because our people’s lives mattered.

¶ 03 In some places rainfall was around 500 mm. The earth could not absorb that in one go; with the hills loosening, one cannot just “hold it back” by hand. Our first duty was to save lives. We were able to minimize deaths across 22 districts despite the scale.

¶ 04 As of 1st December, in Kegalle District, 11,884 families and 42,898 persons were affected; 22 deaths were reported then, now slightly fewer. We can say with confidence we worked around the clock to reduce deaths. Where people resisted evacuation, the Police and the Armed Forces assisted to remove them to safety and save lives.

¶ 05 A major government institution in Kegalle was hit by a landslide. At 12.06 a.m., officials were evacuated; moments later there was nothing left at the site. Through such decisive action we saved lives and reduced deaths, together with state officers. After the rains ceased, some now speak of how we managed the disaster. We also ensured three meals a day at camps, provided essentials and health facilities, created conditions for dignified living, and even organized psychosocial counselling. We resettled some with relatives and provided dry rations where appropriate, and we are organizing the next steps district‑wide. We are ready to move forward with stable camps and plans to continue facilities where needed. Yet some still spread that “there is no food” in camps. On inspection, there is food and dry goods sufficient for days and weeks. We have arranged all food responsibilities and will reintegrate people into the national economy quickly.

¶ 06 Within two days we restored roads in Kegalle and re‑established water and electricity, thanks to officers and volunteers acting as one team.

¶ 07 I personally saw a Grama Niladhari woman managing a camp while her mother was dying in the ICU; when we arranged her leave, sadly her mother had passed away. She called me weeping: “Mother died, Madam.” That is the spirit of dedication. Do not belittle such commitment.

¶ 08 Regarding circulars, the alleged falsehoods the Opposition tries to spread were not on the ground. Officials and we all worked together to rebuild the country, to rise from where we fell. I will end with a quote of India’s former President A. P. J. Abdul Kalam: “Difficulties come not to destroy you but to help you realize your hidden potential and power.” Also remember, the cyclone name “Diva” is not about instant retribution, it is a name from Yemen’s list. Thank you for the opportunity.