The Hon. K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Chairperson, I requested time to state the Government’s position on the prevailing disaster situation. Under the leadership of the Hon. President, we just concluded a special discussion in Parliament with Members of both sides and officials. It was revealed that, after some time, Sri Lanka is now experiencing very heavy rainfall due to a low-pressure system; in the coming days too heavy rains are expected. A large number of disasters have already been reported, and we discussed immediate interventions.

¶ 02 The Director General of Irrigation explained that out of 73 major reservoirs, 30 are currently spilling, and large numbers of people in those areas are affected. The central highlands are in a distressing situation with heightened landslide risk; in Badulla, 26 deaths have been reported so far.

¶ 03 The Meteorology Department forecasts more heavy rain in the next few hours. Accordingly, the President has directed immediate interventions to minimize loss of life and property. The Tri-Forces, Police, and officials have been engaged since last night. I thank them all.

¶ 04 We decided to convene District and Divisional Coordinating Committees to gather information and act swiftly. Our Minister of Public Security is leaving for Kandy to coordinate; Deputy Minister Major General Aruna Jayasekara and we will go to Badulla later today to assess and intervene.

¶ 05 As conditions may worsen, the Hon. Prime Minister and Education Ministry officials have postponed the Advanced Level examination by two days; the Leader of the Opposition also attended that meeting. This is a time for national decisions. If the situation exacerbates, we must consider further relief for students.

¶ 06 We also requested, while the President was here, that despite the ongoing Budget debate, parties allow a few days for Members to attend to their constituents. A Party Leaders’ meeting is convened at 2.00 p.m. today to decide.

¶ 07 Particularly, tomorrow is the debate on the Ministry of Plantation and Community Infrastructure; as representatives of the hill country, we must assist our people. The President also discussed providing cooked meals swiftly to those in camps, and dry rations to those displaced and with relatives, and compensating crop damage; the Agriculture Minister is intervening.

¶ 08 In my district, in Passara and Kanewalla, a high landslide risk was reported yesterday. There are 63 families; despite our efforts to move them to safe locations, some refused to leave. Officials and Police went door to door last night; only about four families could be evacuated. Today too we urge, “Do not remain in unsafe places.” I request the public to exercise caution and heed official instructions; those trapped downstream of spilling reservoirs must evacuate so we can save lives and property. We will continue to deploy officials.

¶ 09 We ask people in risk zones to move to safety. As a Government, we will do our utmost to protect, secure and provide for them. Thank you for the time.