The Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha

¶ 01 Mr. Speaker, thank you for the opportunity. I second the Adjournment Motion moved by Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen. The recent adverse weather severely affected many areas—North, East, North Central, parts of Uva, Central, Kurunegala and Puttalam—imposing great hardship. I see this as a timely debate. The heaviest impact has been on farming communities and also fisherfolk, many of whom still cannot go to work. A large number of families are affected; 1,195 houses are recorded as damaged. The economy has taken a significant hit.

¶ 02 We hear that about Rs. 5 billion is needed just to repair damages to the major irrigation system. Many minor tanks managed by Agrarian Service Centers have been damaged. Government attention must prioritize this. However, we did not see an effective mechanism for managing this disaster. This is not to point fingers, but we do not believe the proper coordination existed. Numerous institutions must operate in unison under a Disaster Management Centre, integrating all relevant agencies—especially the Finance Ministry and line ministries.

¶ 03 In such disasters, District Secretaries must be able to quickly receive and disburse funds with delegated authority; there is no time for prior ministerial approvals. We did not see such mechanisms working. For example, in Kinniya, Muttur, Seruwila, and Kuchchaveli, floodwaters have not fully receded, yet some families have not even received a dry ration pack.

¶ 04 We also do not see sufficient attention to damaged paddy lands. The Deputy Minister said Rs. 40,000 per acre would be paid. Is Rs. 40,000 sufficient? Three rounds of ploughing alone cost around Rs. 30,000; bund repairs about Rs. 10,000; mud fertilizer Rs. 6,500–7,000; seeding about Rs. 7,500; seed paddy Rs. 14,000–15,000. In the first week alone, an acre can cost Rs. 60,000–70,000 to establish.

¶ 05 A bigger issue: even if compensated, in some areas farmers cannot replant this season—for example in Kantale and in flood‑prone zones of Trincomalee—where time windows are gone. Then their incomes collapse. How will they be protected?

¶ 06 We remember the Gotabaya Rajapaksa Government fell due to injustice to farmers. This time it is a natural disaster; I am not equating them. But if farmers cannot re‑establish, the economy suffers. We also know Heda Oya caused massive damage in Lahugala, Panama, and Hulannuge. Heda Oya is a river basin we have failed to manage. Projects have been proposed; while long‑term works take time, urgent remedial works in Lahugala valley—like removing heavy sand deposits—must be funded and executed by the Irrigation Department. We hear funds have been allocated—are they sufficient?

¶ 07 Many families suffered losses—beyond farmers and fishers: 1,195 houses damaged; 137,800 families impacted. What compensation is planned for non‑farmer and fisher families and for house damage? Please clarify.

¶ 08 Our Meteorological Department is capable but needs modern technology. The long‑discussed Japan‑funded Doppler radar system must be installed quickly at Puttalam. Early detection will minimize losses. Though Met issued forecasts, without such tech they could not alert people at very short notice. With Doppler, we could anticipate flash floods and evacuate, reducing casualties and property damage. Please expedite this Japan‑assisted project.

¶ 09 We also have information that between the 10th and 13th of this month, another low‑pressure system may form over the Bay of Bengal; the track may differ, possibly impacting Jaffna more. Within a week or two, we might face similar conditions. Therefore, urgently establish the disaster management mechanism and improve inter‑agency coordination to deliver timely relief and minimize damage. Also, clarify whether the Rs. 40,000 per acre is a fixed amount or varies by assessed loss; if legal or circular constraints from 2017 limit officers, resolve them and pay fair, needs‑based compensation. If farmers cannot replant, the national harvest and rice prices will be affected by mid‑next year. Where replanting is possible, promptly pay compensation, provide seed paddy and any supplementary support needed. Thank you.