The Hon. K. Kader Masthan

¶ 01 Under the leadership of Hon. Deputy Minister of Cooperative Development Upali Samarasinghe, I highlighted this issue affecting all three districts. Even during my tenure as a State Minister, despite many efforts, the then Government could not resolve it, which I say with regret. I thank the Hon. Minister for saying action will be taken.

¶ 02 On displacement: in Mannar over 15,000 families, in Mullaitivu over 3,100 families, and in Vavuniya over 1,500 families were displaced. Paddy cultivation suffered heavily: about 7,000 hectares in Mannar, about 9,740 hectares in Mullaitivu, and about 6,000 hectares in Vavuniya have been affected. Compensation based on damage assessment has historically been inadequate. This is a major compensation problem, with each farmer affected differently. Alongside compensation, seed paddy should be provided immediately so they can re-cultivate.

¶ 03 Livestock losses are also significant: 150 head in Mannar, 20 in Mullaitivu, and 8 in Vavuniya died. Post-war, our districts already face transport issues due to poor roads, which have been further damaged. As per data I received, road damage is about 48 km in Mannar, 67 km in Mullaitivu, and 38 km in Vavuniya. These are A/B, RDA and local authority roads, not just agricultural roads.

¶ 04 On tanks: from the last monsoon, breached tanks were supposed to be rehabilitated. In Vavuniya, out of 94 affected tanks, only four were rehabilitated; similar damage exists in Mannar and Mullaitivu. I was the State Minister concerned then; owing to the economic impact of that period, we could not complete them. With those remaining 90, and new damages now, nearly 157 tanks require rehabilitation urgently, which is essential for agriculture. This Government, which can deliver, should prioritize action swiftly.

¶ 05 Our people’s livelihoods depend mainly on agriculture, livestock and fisheries—all three were hit. Fisherfolk could not go to sea for many days. I mentioned only animal deaths, but many livestock farmers suffered; there is a lack of grazing lands.

¶ 06 I am not blaming you; many governments have come and gone and promised everything. I too was in those governments and even served as District Coordinating Committee Chairman. In my time, because of the economic impact, we could not deliver major development. I believe you certainly can and will.

¶ 07 In some places, disasters recur every two years, submerging entire settlements of 36–42 families. Provide them alternate land on higher ground and implement housing schemes to reduce repeated losses to families and livestock. Also, rehabilitate the damaged agricultural roads and local drainage; otherwise even transporting a bag of fertilizer becomes very costly, creating severe problems. We have identified key priorities through the DCC; please make arrangements.

¶ 08 I thank the President and the Government for enabling this Adjournment Debate on disaster management after all-party leaders agreed. With full confidence that the Government will address what I raised, I conclude.