Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has proposed to the government that a separate Cabinet Ministry be established for disaster management and that it be strengthened.
He stated that Sri Lanka does not have a proper, precise, and efficient disaster management program in place, and that the field of disaster management itself has now been struck by a “tsunami.”
Premadasa pointed out that there are no clear institutions, guidelines, operational frameworks, or roadmaps for disaster management, and that institutions such as the NBRO and GSMB, which deal with landslides, floods, and cyclones, are not functioning under proper planning and coordination.
Therefore, he said, an integrated disaster management plan should be prepared and implemented centrally as well as at district and divisional levels, and this should be established as a separate Cabinet Ministry.
Sajith Premadasa made these remarks while visiting villages in the Ibbagamuwa electorate of Kurunegala District that had been affected by landslides. During the visit, he inspected the site of the landslide in the Pudukulama area of the Hiriyala electorate. Afterwards, he visited the Panliyadda Temple, where people displaced from Omaragolla and Godaparagolla are currently staying, to look into their problems.
He emphasized that a system of specially trained grassroots disaster management officers should be implemented, and that the country’s weakened disaster management mechanism must be strengthened by learning lessons from these tragedies.
Premadasa further noted that although 21 years have passed since the tsunami, the Doppler radar system in Puttalam, for which the foundation stone was laid, has still not been installed. He said that such systems must be established urgently, and that he has requested assistance from the Japanese government. He stressed that this proposal is being put forward collectively on behalf of the people.
“Convene an international aid summit urgently. We too will extend our support,” he said.
Premadasa added that due to the failure of disaster management programs, people who suffered immense destruction must be provided with concrete and permanent relief.
He said the Opposition stands with the affected people in Parliament, and that although billions of dollars in damage has occurred, adequate aid has not been received. Therefore, an international aid summit must be held without delay. He noted that proposals have already been made both inside and outside Parliament, and that the Samagi Jana Balawegaya will extend its support irrespective of political divisions.
Premadasa further pointed out that this is not a moment to seek political advantage or score points, but rather to provide urgent relief to the affected people and strengthen their lives. He said the victims of this disaster should not be used as political pawns, but instead an international aid summit should be convened and a robust disaster management mechanism established.
“Let us correct the mistakes and shortcomings and embark on a new journey,” Premadasa said. He emphasized that this must be done for the people of the country who have been affected by the disaster, and that the Opposition is ready to extend its support for the sake of the nation and its people. (Newswire)
