Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa on Sunday criticised the government’s disaster management response, alleging that while relief operations are being showcased through media displays, the necessary circulars and structured mechanisms to provide financial assistance to affected communities have still not been issued.
He said serious shortcomings were evident in the disaster management system before, during and after the disaster, noting that even government officials working in the sector have acknowledged the absence of a clear plan of action.
Premadasa said although promises have been made to provide financial assistance based on various eligibility criteria, disaster relief officers themselves have confirmed that no proper procedure, implementation framework or official circulars have been issued to disburse funds to affected families.
“If disaster management continues in this manner, it is left to fate to protect the country and its people,” he warned, calling for urgent reform, transformation and modernisation of the disaster management mechanism, along with the allocation of adequate resources.
He said failure to reform the system would result in the violation of the human and fundamental rights of disaster-affected people, rather than protecting lives during future disasters. Premadasa added that such inaction would amount to the government abandoning its responsibility to safeguard citizens.
The Opposition Leader made these remarks while attending an event in Gampola, one of the areas severely affected by the cyclone, where medical equipment worth Rs. 2.9 million was donated to the Gampola Hospital under the ‘Husma’ project to improve healthcare services. The donation included five patient monitors and two syringe pumps.
Premadasa also raised concerns over whether officials of the Department of Meteorology had been temporarily restricted, questioning whether they were prevented from independently addressing the media. He said despite repeated warnings over a 15-day period from November 11 to 26 about the looming danger, no adequate attention had been given, and proposals by the Opposition to declare an emergency situation were rejected.
He further urged authorities not to send displaced people back to their homes without ensuring safety, warning that encouraging people to leave relief camps merely to reduce reported numbers would be dangerous.
He said displaced families had moved to camps due to genuine safety concerns, and with the National Building Research Organisation lacking sufficient staff to carry out assessments, it was irresponsible to direct people to return to homes that were cracked, flooded or structurally unsafe.
Premadasa stressed that it was the government’s duty to ensure displaced people are provided with safe housing, secure livelihoods and suitable living conditions.
He also expressed appreciation to all those involved in relief efforts, including Grama Niladharis, state sector officials, the tri-forces, police, hospital staff and volunteer organisations, thanking them for their selfless service and assistance to affected communities.
Premadasa said the Opposition would continue to support disaster-affected people despite structural obstacles, urging all parties to set aside political, ethnic, religious and social divisions to work together to protect and restore the lives of displaced citizens. (Newswire)