Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa accused the government of blaming meteorology officials despite warnings issued for nearly 15 days ahead of the ‘Ditwah’ cyclone.
He said the Meteorology Department began warning the public via media on November 11, detailing Bay of Bengal developments, expected rainfall exceeding 100mm, and the potential formation of a cyclone.
Premadasa noted that the Meteorology Department, Disaster Management Center, and National Building and Research Organization issued warnings even before adverse weather appeared in the country. He questioned why disaster-management operations were not activated promptly, stressing that officials who issued accurate warnings should not be targeted.
He urged relief distribution to be transparent and free from political influence, highlighting a case in Kolonnawa Division where officials were asked to seek additional community signatures beyond required government approvals. Premadasa criticized the politicisation of grassroots structures, insisting only state officials’ consent should suffice for aid.
He added that the opposition’s call to declare an emergency aimed to speed up relief for affected families, not suppress media coverage, and called on the government to focus on effective relief rather than controlling the media.