Hon. Vijitha Herath - Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, the disaster struck unexpectedly. Immediately, the President convened Government and Opposition. It was, in fact, the Opposition that first urged declaring an emergency. We agreed, and the emergency was declared with consensus because the Disaster Management Act is too weak for such a catastrophe—something even the Opposition Leader accepts, calling for its amendment. We have already convened the National Council for Disaster Management—unused for seven years—and begun reforms, including regularizing the Director’s appointment which had lapsed.

¶ 02 The emergency was not to pay Rs. 25,000 or Rs. 50,000; this was a complex, nationwide operation requiring instant mobilization of the tri-forces, police, essential services, and all state agencies. Even now, some work remains; hence the need to maintain the mechanism. The Essential Services Commissioner-General was appointed under the emergency, enabling cross-boundary deployment of machinery and personnel.

¶ 03 For example, in hill districts roads totally collapsed and vehicles could not pass. Equipment from Weligama, Hambantota, and Beliatta local bodies was moved to affected areas—possible because of the emergency. Even to clear Gampola, under Opposition control, Colombo Municipal Council vehicles were deployed across provincial lines—again, possible only under emergency powers.

¶ 04 We have not used the emergency to suppress strikes, protests, or the media. Provisions like Section 29 for entering premises have been used only to facilitate NBRI/technical access, not for repression. Section 19 has not been used to curb media; criticism and even false allegations abound daily without crackdown. Summons to the Committee on Parliamentary Privileges follow House rules, not emergency regulations.

¶ 05 We are reforming genuinely repressive laws. The Online Safety Bill has been revised per Supreme Court guidance and is under public consultation. The PTA, long abused, has been repealed and replaced with a draft State Protection Bill now open for public comment; we will incorporate feedback to ensure democratic safeguards.

¶ 06 Our aim is more democracy and a stronger economy with human development. After Ditva, rapid action met people’s core needs swiftly. Tourism, our peak season in Nov–Dec, faced a risk of cancellations. By declaring emergency and designating tourism as an essential service, we stabilized operations. December saw 258,000 arrivals—the highest December in history—and January 277,000—the highest January ever—despite incomplete rail and bridge repairs. Procurement processes were expedited under emergency to accelerate works across health, housing, transport, ports, and highways.

¶ 07 The World Bank’s interim assessment estimates US$4.1 billion in economic impact—a preliminary figure we fully understand will evolve. Parliament promptly approved supplementary estimates; international partners and the Sri Lankan diaspora have supported relief. Our focused operation has moved the country forward.

¶ 08 We therefore state clearly: the emergency is solely to expedite disaster response and recovery. It has not been and will not be used to suppress the public. The Government continues its responsibilities calmly, despite opposition rhetoric. Thank you.