The Hon. Ananda Wijepala – Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs

¶ 01 On behalf of the Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, I move:

¶ 02 “That the Proclamation made by His Excellency the President under Section 2 of the Public Security Ordinance (Chapter 40) bringing into operation Part II of the said Ordinance throughout Sri Lanka with effect from 28 April 2026, be approved.”

¶ 03 Additionally, I move the Resolution under the Essential Public Services Act on Item 5.

¶ 04 Hon. Deputy Chairperson, the Public Security Ordinance measures were necessitated by the severe national disaster caused by Cyclone “Ditcha.” The emergency enabled appointment of a Commissioner General of Essential Services and ensured uninterrupted essential services while rolling out a special relief package to rebuild shattered lives and infrastructure during 2026. A sum of Rs. 500 billion has been allocated for recovery—possible due to economic stabilization achieved within a year after national bankruptcy.

¶ 05 Key relief delivered: - Rs. 25,000 resettlement grant paid to 430,558 families (100% coverage) totaling Rs. 16,763 million. - Rs. 50,000 equipment grant: paid Rs. 8,278.5 million to 165,569 families; 99% complete. - Three months’ subsistence payments for severely affected households—completed. - For houses certified unsafe by the National Building Research Organisation (NBRO), Rs. 25,000 monthly rent paid to 9,207 families; ongoing. - Permanent house reconstruction for fully damaged houses: Rs. 500,000 per house in tranches (Rs. 200,000 first, then Rs. 150,000 + Rs. 150,000); underway. - Rs. 500,000 for partially damaged houses following assessment; payments proceeding. - Compensation schemes for agriculture (including boats, nets), and for lost livestock; most disbursements completed with a remaining balance in process.

¶ 06 All relocations/resettlements are guided by NBRO certification to ensure future safety and avoid repeat disasters. The emergency has been used strictly for disaster response and essential services—not to curb democratic rights or free speech.

¶ 07 Accordingly, I seek approval to extend the measures for one more month to complete outstanding relief and reconstruction.