Hon. Hector Appuhamy

¶ 01 During this disaster, were we even able to make a call on the most basic phones? Did Dialog and Mobitel connections work? None of those worked. What service did they provide at this time? No connection worked. In this disaster, people could not establish necessary communications or even speak to anyone. That was a major problem.

¶ 02 You must understand: set up at least a minimal number of relief coordination centers and ensure dedicated communications for them. But that was not done. Let me also recall this: I did everything possible with boats; I set aside any thought about my own home, got on the road, and did what was needed. I did not take photos, did not do 882, did not go to post on Facebook. I know I was doing a service; to do it right, I worked that way.

¶ 03 I must especially remind you: it is not enough to come and go during a crisis; we must identify disasters before they happen. No matter how much we talk afterwards, beg for money, appeal to the world, and collect funds, it is useless—because the disaster has already occurred. You cannot recover it fully in that way; you cannot restore it to what it was. We can only rebuild. So remember what we must do: we must set up disaster detection. In doing so, we should make Sri Lanka a knowledge center, networked with international experts. We need special tools. We must assemble all of this and do the work correctly.

¶ 04 Looking at the world, India is nearest. In Gujarat, the best pharmaceutical institutions were set up as private companies, and day by day, hour by hour, they were provided with facilities—becoming a lesson to the world. Soon, we may even face shortages of basic medicines. After this disaster, with the spread of pathogens, the next problems will come. Many say the post-disaster period will bring worse health issues than the initial destruction. Diseases can devastate society. Keep this in mind if you continue in government. Some BONS places say, “Don’t come; we will handle it ourselves.” Such attitudes exist. You must do this work properly without fail. Ask for whatever cooperation you need from us; we are ready to help. We do not want to stand outside and obstruct you. If you are the government, we can provide the necessary support—but please conduct your work in a way that secures that cooperation.

¶ 05 Also, bring in the private sector. Without the private sector, this cannot be done. Discard old IVP ideas; there are groups with fresh thinking in Malimawa. Gather them and change as a party. If you do not change, you cannot do this for the country. A serious challenge is coming: you may receive funds now, but later, if funds dry up, it will be a grave problem. As the Chairman of the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Environment, Agriculture, and Resource Sustainability, I pledge—both to you and to the country—to extend support. I request from the Hon. Speaker and the Government: allow the Sectoral Oversight Committees to work fully with proper authority. We will connect with institutions worldwide under your leadership. We offer cooperation only; please grant us that space. We will do everything possible for the people. I extend special thanks to the entire public, especially the private sector that has dedicated itself—because it is they who protected the country, not the government, not you, not us. The civil populace united to protect the nation, and they will continue to do so. Let us stand before them, link arms with them, and move forward. We are ready to make any sacrifice for the country and give you the support you need.

¶ 06 Thank you very much.