The Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, first I express my sorrow and condolences for all who lost their lives, and wish speedy recovery to the injured. Though deaths in my Gampaha District are fewer compared to others, the destruction and property damage are immense. Yesterday with the Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa we visited Dompe, Biyagama and other areas, and will continue visits.

¶ 02 This could have been mitigated with proactive management. Due to the Government’s incompetence and indifference, the impact was not minimized. In 2017, during our Government, there was drought in one region and floods in another; we managed it successfully and reduced deaths. Today, despite quoting “200, 300, 400,” the reality is thousands of lives have been lost; the people know this, even if the Government pretends not to. The entire world knew a storm was coming; the Government acted as if unaware and now seeks scapegoats. The Department of Meteorology did warn; so did international media like the BBC. The Indian Express of 03.12.2025 states, I quote:

¶ 03 “The IMD had first predicted the formation of a depression as early as November 13, and issued an alert over the possibility of cyclogenesis on November 20. From November 23 onwards, IMD issued three-hourly and six-hourly weather updates of the system, indicating its development around November 26. All the information was shared with Sri Lanka in a routine manner.”

¶ 04 So how can you say you did not know? Stop such excuses. You bear responsibility for these lost lives and the vast destruction to homes and businesses. This morning I saw irreparable devastation at business premises in Gampaha.

¶ 05 When we visited an IDP camp at a school in Biyagama, people said their area MPs are nowhere to be seen; even the Grama Niladhari said no one had come. Go to the ground instead of shouting here. You even delayed declaring an emergency and did not use emergency law. These are grave failings. Thousands died due to your mismanagement.

¶ 06 We will serve the people irrespective of party. For the past 4–5 days our office has cooked and delivered meals continuously, and will continue. Please correct these mistakes. Create a permanent Disaster Management Fund—not only the “Rebuilding Sri Lanka” Fund for this episode. Also, the committee for that fund consists only of men, though women are 52% of the population; include capable women prominently.

¶ 07 In 2016–2017 we also used insurance mechanisms to support SMEs and households with substantial payouts to rebuild. Focus on such instruments now. I thank all countries, private sector, and media organizations that assisted. The Tri‑Forces, Police, and state officers rendered great service. Grama Niladharis even ask for basic boots to serve—please provide them.

¶ 08 Yesterday in Malwana I saw the youth at the Nabyathul organization and the Grand Mosque rally with others to help the affected. I salute all such volunteers. Thank you.