The Hon. Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera - Deputy Minister of Defence

¶ 01 Thank you for the opportunity, Madam Deputy Chairperson of Committees.

¶ 02 This debate concerns the extension of the State of Emergency under the Public Security Ordinance. In November last year, disasters severely affected our country’s infrastructure and people. Consequently, the public service, private sector, and citizens together undertook significant work across all districts.

¶ 03 To coordinate these essential and important administrative tasks and to regularize them, it became necessary to use the emergency provisions. Accordingly, we were able to organize these efforts administratively to restore the lives of those affected by Cyclone “Ditva”.

¶ 04 We focused on expediting rehabilitation for the affected population. In line with our duty as a Government, the entire public service, relevant civil institutions, and the Office of the Commissioner General were mobilized to carry out necessary activities, and work continues. We have faced various administrative, technical, and logistical challenges while restoring damaged infrastructure, and we continue to address them with the necessary technical expertise.

¶ 05 Because of gaps in existing provisions for expediting this work, we required the State of Emergency. As the existing powers of the State machinery were insufficient to restore damage, we appointed a Commissioner General for Essential Services under this law. We also obtained the support of the Tri-Forces, whose capabilities and technical knowledge have been invaluable in rebuilding lives affected by Cyclone “Ditva”.

¶ 06 People who were displaced or whose homes suffered total or partial damage need considerable time for resettlement. Following special instructions of the President, we commenced construction of 1,000 temporary houses last month. Of these, about 550 are in Badulla District; 150 in Kandy; 151 in Nuwara Eliya; several dozen in Kegalle; and the rest in other districts. The Tri-Forces play a leading role, particularly with engineering support, alongside other State institutions. For these, the powers available under the Emergency are necessary.

¶ 07 Compensation payments have been made substantially to meet people’s needs, but many issues remain, particularly around planned resettlement: land availability, legal status, and technical assessments—often by NBRO—take time. We are coordinating with District and Divisional Secretaries and Grama Niladharis to expedite these matters.

¶ 08 We know in Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, and Badulla districts, over 6,000 houses were totally destroyed, with many more partially damaged. Identifying safe lands, ensuring legal title, and settling people in safe, stable areas without future risk all require time and careful planning.

¶ 09 Some recently shouted about “Ranaviru” issues, seeking justice for those under investigation, yet no one raised their voice for the Easter Sunday victims. Yesterday, in front of the Fort Railway Station, they claimed to be speaking for war heroes, but they stand only for those in custody, not for the innocent victims. They did not then, nor do they now. Our aim is to depoliticize the Armed Forces and build a highly professional military. Those currently in custody are suspects. We will proceed properly. Thank you.