Hon. (Mrs.) Nilanthi Kottahachchi, Attorney-at-Law

¶ 01 Madam Presiding Member, we face not a simple challenge but a deep socio-economic-political transition requiring systemic change. The Opposition accuses us of repeating the “70-year curse,” but for decades, institutional systems collapsed and public trust eroded—causes of today’s crisis. As we prepared a new 2026 Budget and plan, the “Ditva” cyclone struck.

¶ 02 As mothers know, when disaster hits, it is not just four walls that fall—it is family safety, household economy, and hopes for children’s futures. In this situation, as a new Government, we are systematically grappling with regulations to restore lives. This is not our first disaster, but we aim to be recorded as the Government that understood the context and managed it effectively.

¶ 03 In crises, the Government must show not only strength but also the bond of trust with citizens domestically and internationally. Post-disaster, people need housing, land, and material and financial support. Beyond administrative process, we have demonstrated a living, trusted social contract with our people.

¶ 04 Therefore, the opportunistic Opposition comes here seeking dirt. They speak only of shortcomings, in and out of Parliament. Under Emergency Regulations, powers entrusted to the President are used to manage this situation and rebuild lives. The Opposition should at least support that.

¶ 05 We also need rule of law, accountable governance, and transparency. We need to extend Emergency not for anything else but to cut through red tape and inefficiency that hinder timely action.

¶ 06 We are granting benefits methodically; leaders and officials have gone to people, informed them of entitlements, and delivered. Our citizens have acted responsibly, asking only for what they truly need; they did not misuse public funds.

¶ 07 Even now, kilometres of earth cover bodies we have yet to find; families cannot even recover remains for last rites. These are not trifles; we need planning, ingenuity and funding to move forward.

¶ 08 Three things the Opposition refuses to see: humane leadership—leaders signing not from Colombo but going to the affected, meeting people, listening, respecting the public mandate; an administration that listens; and transparency in policies and decisions. People did not have to run behind institutions; the State came to them.

¶ 09 To rebuild this country, political leadership, public officials and all citizens must work together. If the Opposition chooses only to obstruct, it will remain forever in Opposition. Thank you.