The Hon. Aruna Jayasekera - Deputy Minister of Defence

¶ 01 Ayubowan! Good morning!

¶ 02 Hon. Speaker, the deep depression that developed over the southwestern Bay of Bengal during the past two weeks escalated into an emergency disaster situation, causing significant impacts. On behalf of the subject Minister, I make this special Statement.

¶ 03 First, we express the condolences of the Government, including His Excellency the President, to the next-of-kin of Sri Lankans who lost their lives due to the recent extreme weather, and assure the public that the Government is paying special attention to all affected people.

¶ 04 This situation directly and indirectly impacted 24 districts, with severe effects notably in the Northern, North Central, Eastern, Uva, North Western and Central Provinces due to heavy rainfall. Accordingly, His Excellency the President immediately declared an emergency, mobilizing the Tri-Forces, Police and Civil Security Department along with all essential public services to save lives. All Governors and District Secretaries were alerted to provide financial, technical and service facilitation to the necessary public services in their districts, with full commitment. At the meeting held on the 27th under the leadership of the President and the Prime Minister, with all responsible officials participating, directions were given to take swift action according to the assigned responsibilities, to provide all necessary provisions from the Treasury, and to take sustainable measures based on sound judgement to normalize the situation. Cabinet Ministers, Deputy Ministers and Members of Parliament representing the respective districts were also directed to visit affected areas and render necessary assistance.

¶ 05 Across the world, climatic anomalies, driven by environmental changes, are reported. From 23 November our country also faced such extreme weather. According to the Disaster Management Centre (DMC), people in the Northern, Eastern, North Central, Uva and North Western Provinces, and to a lesser extent other provinces, were affected to varying degrees.

¶ 06 As of now, in the 24 affected districts, 469,872 persons of 139,439 families have been affected; 18 fatalities and 20 injuries are reported. Initially 38,616 persons of 12,348 families were sheltered in 247 safe centres; this number has since reduced to 7,946 persons of 2,494 families in 79 centres.

¶ 07 While statistics reveal numbers directly affected, we recognize that the indirectly affected exceed these figures. Therefore, the Government is paying special attention in providing both emergency relief and post-disaster assistance. While many have left safe centres, 7,946 persons still remain. As weather conditions gradually improve, we have commenced providing essential sanitation, health and other services to enable people to return to their homes.

¶ 08 His Excellency the President has allocated an additional Rs. 300 million through the Treasury for relief to affected people, in addition to prior emergency funds. For 2024, prior allocations amounted to Rs. 45 million before this event; with the additional Rs. 300 million, the total is Rs. 345 million. Security forces and Police were deployed to meet essential needs, deliver relief, and protect the homes and property of those staying in safe centres.

¶ 09 To further streamline immediate relief and organize ongoing services, as Deputy Minister in charge I visited Mannar, Anuradhapura and Ampara on the 26th, 27th and 28th, respectively, meeting Governors, District Secretaries, defence chiefs, government officials, members of non-governmental organizations and residents. We coordinated necessary actions, visited safe centres, identified urgent needs and fulfilled them.

¶ 10 Particular attention has been given to landslide risks in the hill country—in Uva, Sabaragamuwa and Central Provinces—ensuring evacuation to safe centres and addressing emergency and post-disaster needs. The Defence Secretary visited Jaffna District; Cabinet Ministers and Deputy Ministers—including the Ministers of Power and Energy; Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment; Women and Children’s Affairs—and Members of Parliament engaged in districts to coordinate responses. Under the supervision of the Ministers of Agriculture, Fisheries, Highways, Health and Education, work is underway to meet post-disaster needs. The Road Development Authority has informed that the Oluvil Bridge, which will take about 15 days to fully restore, has been temporarily made passable for light vehicles.

¶ 11 We express, on behalf of the Government, our deep appreciation to religious leaders of all faiths, the Tri-Forces, Police, District and Divisional Secretaries, Grama Niladharis, the provincial and local government machinery, the Disaster Management Centres, technical institutions, relief agencies, state and private sectors, non-governmental organizations, the United Nations and all others for their dedication and commitment. We especially value the solidarity shown by the people living in affected areas, including from Opposition Members in the districts.

¶ 12 According to the Meteorology Department, adverse conditions are easing. Even so, we cannot be complacent. The Government will take all necessary measures to properly implement post-disaster processes and restore normalcy. As reported, 110 houses are fully damaged and 3,139 partially damaged; 92 small and medium business establishments are affected. Grants will be provided as per the approved circulars.

¶ 13 Under the post-disaster phase, we will undertake cleaning of houses, wells and water sources, repair of basic infrastructure, and assist restoration of cultivation and livelihoods, as directed by His Excellency the President.

¶ 14 I also note that despite the weather, arrangements have been coordinated by the Department of Examinations, Department of Railways, National Building Research Organisation, the Tri-Forces and Police—under the DMC and District Administration—to conduct the G.C.E. Advanced Level Examination without hindrance. The established mechanism will function continuously until the end of the examination period.

¶ 15 As conditions ease, I urge the public to act calmly, place confidence in the Government institutions, and work together to return to normalcy. With heightened public vigilance following alerts, loss of life can be minimized; let us treat this as a social responsibility. I conclude, thanking the Hon. Speaker for this opportunity.