The Hon. J.C. Alawathuwala

¶ 01 First, the Minister who spoke earlier claims development rose only after they came to power; I’d never know he even existed except when he speaks — he’s invisible. Six months have passed since the Ditha cyclone, yet many affected remain destitute. You extend the emergency month after month, but victims have no relief.

¶ 02 The Geological Survey and Mines Bureau initially told people not to live in their homes, so they moved to rented places and were paid for a while. Then payments stopped and they were told to return to unsafe zones. With every heavy rain, people live in fear. You should be ashamed that after six months you cannot deliver justice to victims. You boast a single house where the President celebrated New Year — but how many houses were damaged overall?

¶ 03 In my area, not only houses but access roads are destroyed. The Edirigunarathna road in Mawathagama remains unrepaired; people in multiple villages cannot travel to meet livelihood needs. Similar issues exist at Mirissala and Bambarakanda in Hiriyala. No work has begun as claimed. At Divisional Secretariat coordination meetings, it is clear even lands haven’t been provided for those who lost homes. Six months on, due to your incapacity, people suffer greatly.

¶ 04 After nearly two years in office, numerous problems remain. On coal, you first denied low-quality coal; now losses are in the billions and electricity tariffs will inevitably rise due to that mismanagement. You accuse us of lying, but it was you who misled the public, promising to reduce fuel prices. Now petrol is nearly Rs. 500 per liter; the cost of living has soared. Poverty has increased since your government took office. Even public servants are falling into poverty. Gas prices have risen again. Instead of relief, what have you done?

¶ 05 Regarding the USD 2.5 million Treasury incident, you refuse to accept responsibility or inform Parliament. Anyone can see a fraud occurred, and an innocent officer lost his life. We also see errors in Postal Department payments and many ministries. In April, during relief payments, you overpaid Kurunegala and Kegalle districts; people there say they did not receive extra, yet over Rs. 500 million went out. Across ministries, due to your errors or frauds, people’s money is being misplaced.

¶ 06 The public did not expect this from you. You came to power decrying “76 years” and promising relief. Yet you have not delivered to any group, including public servants. Those affected by the Ditha cyclone have not received what you promised. Thank you.