MP Anuradha Jayaratne said the government must accept responsibility for the fatalities in Gampola caused by the recent floods, adding that innocent people were ‘killed’ by the government.
“There are only 19 fatalities recorded by the Udapalatha Divisional Secretariat. The bodies found behind Sethsiri and People’s Leasing alone must be counted. These weren’t things I intended to share — but the government’s conduct is questionable,” he said questioning accuracy of figures.
Jayaratne said reservoir water releases played a central role in worsening the disaster.
He noted that although the maximum discharge from Rantambe Reservoir during heavy rainfall is around 3,500 cubic feet per second, the Mahaweli Development Board reportedly raised this to 5,800 — and in reality released as much as 7,850 cubic feet.
“If we knew about this, why weren’t the innocent people informed?” he asked.
Jayaratne questioned why no warning of imminent flooding was issued in Gampola town despite available gauging‑station data.
“Eighty percent of those who died could have been saved if proper communication had been in place,” said the MP, calling on the government to accept responsibility for the fatalities.
He also criticised authorities for failing to inform the public correctly about rising water levels at Kotmale Dam, citing widespread panic among townspeople after rumours spread that the dam had developed cracks or would “give away.”
The criticism adds to growing accusations that the state’s disaster communication and early-warning systems failed alarmingly during Cyclone Ditwah. (Newswire)