The Hon. Upali Samarasingha - Deputy Minister of Co-operative Development

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Speaker, first, on behalf of the NPP we express condolences for all who died due to this disaster. For the first time in history, as a single party the NPP won the Vanni District; we honour the Tamil, Muslim and Sinhala people who supported us—both sets of their people’s representatives now sit in this House.

¶ 02 We are new here—and the Opposition moved this Adjournment debate today. But I note that neither the mover nor the seconder was in the Chamber during the debate, suggesting a lack of seriousness. Our Leader of the House urged that we focus on people‑centred political dialogue. Yet, in this debate, rather than planning for the future, some revisited the past and made inconsistent demands—for example, arguing now for Rs. 65,000 compensation per acre while having accepted Rs. 18,000–20,000 in past years when their own crops were damaged. We should be practical and consistent.

¶ 03 Some said current disaster preparedness is inadequate. We have been in office a very short time. Looking back, Sri Lanka faced worse disasters—landslides, tsunami, floods. If previous governments had ensured preparedness, we would have had it easier.

¶ 04 As a National List MP residing in Vavuniya, I saw Vavuniya, Mullaitivu and Mannar all affected—Mannar worst. Officials told us that in the past ten years, Mannar has faced such conditions thrice, with people in camps for days. They said past constructions and settlements in natural drainage paths worsened annual flooding; the railway embankment obstructed drainage; and, crucially, only after disasters are officials convened—no advance preparedness.

¶ 05 If past governments had properly identified these recurring disasters, they would have built pre‑disaster mechanisms—ministries or departments—to act before, not after, events, as developed countries do with modern technology. Instead, after each event, we see political point‑scoring.

¶ 06 In this event, the NPP’s three MPs in the Vanni engaged fully. On 27 November, with the Deputy Minister of Defence, we convened all security forces and provided outstanding assistance to the displaced in Mannar. On 1 December, the Minister of Women and Children’s Affairs visited Mannar camps and provided aid to children and women. On 29 November, we convened the Mannar District Youth Committee with officials and the District Secretary. A key issue raised was a funding shortage for food and essentials for the displaced—Rs. 37 million needed immediately. At 5.00 p.m. I called our Leader of the House Hon. Bimal Rathnayake; by 6.00 p.m. he confirmed the funds would be sent the next morning. On the 30th, the District Secretary confirmed receipt of the full Rs. 37 million. We acted swiftly. We also convened the Vavuniya, Mullaitivu, and Mannar District Development Committees and visited every village.

¶ 07 The business community—especially Tamil and Muslim traders—gave strong support; civil organizations cooked and delivered food; specialist doctors and professionals at Vavuniya General Hospital provided mosquito nets, children’s nutrition, mats, coils, and other supplies. We thank them all.

¶ 08 Notably, Sinhala, Tamil and Muslim MPs of these three districts worked together without any communal sentiment—building national unity from the North. We urge the Opposition: in such times, prioritize people over political gain; help us build policies, a safe environment, and a robust disaster‑response system. Thank you.