The Hon. Champika Hettiarachchi

¶ 01 Madam Presiding Member, I express condolences to all who lost loved ones and thank all who helped, including those from the South.

¶ 02 Although today’s debate is on Trade, Commerce, Food Security, and Cooperative Development Heads, everyone has rightly focused on the flood disaster. In the 2025 Budget debate earlier, we from the NPP described how we built cooperatives; during this disaster too, we leveraged cooperatives to aid the displaced, which proved valuable.

¶ 03 I saw Opposition MPs in media claims saying they warned on the 12th. Especially Hon. Mujibur Rahuman showed a recording across dates like the 12th and 17th—yet, listening to it, it’s only a routine weather update: mentions of 70 mm, at one point 100 mm. No clear alert on massive landslides or reservoirs overtopping. They have turned routine news into big “bills” to mislead the public.

¶ 04 Initially they said the 12th; later, it became the 11th. After floods hit, they could not sustain that falsehood.

¶ 05 Another Opposition MP cited 2016. I have data: in 2016, there was no calamity of this magnitude. In Gampaha then, 11 deaths; now, 138 deaths in Gampaha alone. This is the worst disaster in recent history. Yet, even in Gampaha, we managed impacts comparatively better than 2016.

¶ 06 In 2017, there were also severe floods: in Gampaha, 7 deaths and 4 missing. Those who “managed” then now advise us; we know those were not acts of “love.”

¶ 07 In many areas now affected, past regimes distributed lands arbitrarily, settled people without deeds, allowed political allies to encroach, and permitted unauthorized constructions—especially in Gampaha—heightening risk and damage.

¶ 08 This Government maintained Treasury buffers—something the Opposition mocked. Those reserves now enable swift funding for disaster response.

¶ 09 One MP spoke about “Adaraya” (Love) programs seeking funds. Where was that love before? If it is the old “love,” people will be deceived again. Do not be fooled by old politics in new dress.

¶ 10 Finally, I quote the current Leader of the Opposition—then Minister of Housing—Hansard 20 May 2016, column 3728: he pledged graded housing assistance for all with partial and full damage, state and non-state, and relocation on alternative lands with full support. We know those houses and promises were not delivered.

¶ 11 The Opposition told tall tales, but nothing materialized. This is a national disaster; beyond religion, race, and party, let us all work together to rebuild. Thank you.