The Hon. Aravinda Senarath - Deputy Minister of Land and Irrigation

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees, we debate extending the emergency. Although various instruments could be used, given the situation caused by the “Ditva” cyclone, the most suitable means to coordinate institutions and officials and deliver maximum service to the people is to enforce the emergency strictly for disaster management.

¶ 02 The Opposition sees it otherwise, but they know how they used emergencies: beyond core purposes, to suppress rival politics, movements that challenged them, teachers, public servants, professionals, youth, students, and monks—preventing free movement and protest. They know the weight of abuse. Our difference is that, however severe an emergency law can be, we have used it solely to serve the people fairly—relief and services—nothing more.

¶ 03 “Ditva” is among the worst recent disasters in our history, with losses running into hundreds of billions of rupees. We must manage recovery swiftly. That requires unifying many institutions—lands, irrigation, security, disaster management, buildings research, geology, Police, Health, Defence—into a single coordinated effort. That is why we extend the emergency: to utilize its provisions for swift coordination.

¶ 04 Instead of acknowledging the constructive aspect, the Opposition drags in unrelated issues like leasing. One Member spoke of a quarry; permits were issued during their time—so questions arise. We accept past rulers neglected the environment while chasing projects, creating today’s vulnerabilities. Responsibility lies with those then in power. We are addressing environmental harm and managing this situation with planned interventions. Sri Lanka has restored normalcy quickly compared to more developed countries facing disasters. It is under three months since “Ditva”; though full compensation, housing, fields, tanks and bunds are not yet 100% restored, daily life in places like Gampola, Nuwara Eliya, and Badulla has largely normalized. The President continues to intervene; we plan to expedite remaining work. Those who did nothing for people during the crisis now shout the loudest. We will restore everything except the lives lost. The Opposition’s arguments against extending the emergency are thus baseless—politics of those already defeated.

¶ 05 On media freedom: those who once used emergencies to burn media institutions now lecture on media freedom. The National People’s Power values and upholds media freedom and uses it to empower the public. We urge the Opposition: oppose the Government if you wish, but do not oppose the country. The nation needs a unified, national purpose suited to a new century. We are ready to defeat mudslinging and lies before the people. I conclude.

¶ 06 Thank you.