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

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees,

¶ 02 Yesterday was a day of pride for Sri Lankans. Even when great powers stumble, we upheld international agreements and, as a non‑aligned, humanitarian nation, set an example to the world. Yet we are compelled today to speak of the “politics of disaster” and, conversely, the “disaster of politics.”

¶ 03 While the Government strives to rebuild the State, stabilize daily life and plan recovery, the Opposition’s focus is on running the State down. The public can clearly discern the Government’s responsibilities versus the Opposition’s conduct.

¶ 04 Why do we need Emergency now? Where there is a specific threat, tragedy or danger to the public, Emergency law can temporarily grant exceptional powers to the Government to face it and to maintain daily life, including by limiting certain fundamental rights for that purpose. Although the Constitution does not define “emergency” in detail, the Public Security Ordinance specifies the reasons: ensuring national security, establishing public order and maintaining essential services. The third—maintaining essential services—justifies this time‑bound extension given the circumstances.

¶ 05 The recent severe natural disaster required extraordinary measures, with international support arriving in a timely manner. Disaster management, beyond tsunamis we once experienced, is a new field demanding learning and adaptation. We have used Emergency as a necessary tool—not as a repressive weapon—to protect lives and expedite recovery.

¶ 06 As the President stated on 30 November 2025 in his special address: “We have declared the state of Emergency to provide the legal protection and provisions required to manage this disaster efficiently and to expedite effective rebuilding. I assure the citizens that this Emergency will only be used for disaster management and rebuilding, and not for any repressive action.”

¶ 07 The Opposition argues that the 2005 Disaster Management Act is sufficient. Yet that Act establishes a National Council that should meet four times a year; from 2005 to date it should have met at least around 80 times, but it has only met about 14 times. This shows the Act’s practical limitations. To maintain essential services uninterrupted, fast‑track procurement, acquire land where necessary, rebuild, and procure and distribute goods and services efficiently while preventing harm to lives, public property and the environment, Emergency powers are necessary.

¶ 08 Contrary to Opposition claims, we have not used Emergency to suppress expression, media freedom, public assembly or protests since the cyclone. We use it only for rebuilding lives. Many factories and businesses were damaged; many jobs, direct and indirect, were lost; people still live in shelters. Our sole, paramount objective is national rebuilding—nothing beyond the President’s pledge.