The Hon. (Dr.) Upali Pannilage - Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment

¶ 01 [8.22 p.m.]

¶ 02 Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees, as we debate this adjournment motion, tens of thousands are still facing difficulties due to the “Fengal” cyclone and widespread rains since 21 November. As the situation is still unfolding, data will update, but as of this morning, according to the National Disaster Management Centre, 141,151 families (475,225 persons) have been affected across almost every district, with over 87 per cent from the Northern and Eastern Provinces. I am grateful that some Opposition Members acknowledged government measures; however, I regret that others resorted to familiar blame rather than directly helping affected people.

¶ 03 Let me briefly outline our actions. This Government accepts responsibility for disaster situations and understands the global context: compared to the 19th century, global temperatures have risen by 1.2°C; atmospheric CO2 has increased by about 50 per cent; consequently, disasters have intensified. Disaster management is therefore a serious governmental priority. When we assumed office, disaster management was operating under the Defence Ministry, but without being properly gazetted as a subject. Our new Gazette of 25 November formally assigned “disaster management and response” as a subject and function.

¶ 04 From the outset, the President paid special attention, convened relevant officials and ministers, and directed immediate relief. A team led by the Minister of Fisheries Hon. Ramalingam Chandraseker and the Minister of Women and Child Affairs Hon. Saroja Polraj travelled to the North, while the Deputy Minister of Defence and the Defence Secretary were already on the ground. I, together with the Minister of Power Hon. Kumar Jayakody, and the Deputy Minister of Rural Development Hon. Wasantha Piyathissa, met on the 28th morning at the Ampara District Secretariat with the District Secretary and all Divisional Secretaries; Opposition Members were invited, and at least one participated. We directed immediate measures. That evening we went to Batticaloa, met officials and visited camps, and reported swiftly to the President and Government. On the 29th morning we did the same in Trincomalee with the District Secretary, all DSs, Hon. Arun Hemachandra and the local NPP MP.

¶ 05 We did not limit ourselves to inspections; our political leadership engaged across affected districts to identify issues and expedite solutions. As our Leader in this House noted, while circulars exist, we moved beyond narrow technicalities to increase allocations for relief and compensation, per the President’s instruction on the 26th to prioritize people’s needs over paperwork.

¶ 06 Disaster management is not only response but preparedness. Many incidents—like a bridge unfit even for a bus as mentioned by the Opposition—could have been avoided with proper preparedness. For decades, unplanned development and environmental degradation have produced today’s risks. We must re-examine the human–environment relationship.

¶ 07 We responded by deploying tri-forces, police and Civil Security with boats and equipment; provided food to those in camps; and assisted those staying with relatives. But without preparedness, we will be repeatedly responding every season. Sri Lanka faces two monsoons—the Southwest bringing rain and landslides to the South/West mid-year, and the Northeast bringing rain and floods to the North/East at year-end. With proper preparedness, we can mitigate in the long term.

¶ 08 In closing, our Government—President, Cabinet and our parliamentary group—acted responsibly. Opposition Members, public officers and volunteers also worked tirelessly. As per current data, 18 deaths and about 20 injuries have occurred. On behalf of the President and Government, we express condolences. Thank you for the time.