Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has accused the Government of “absolute negligence” in failing to prepare for the looming twin disasters predicted under El Niño conditions, drought through the year‑end followed by floods and landslides when rains return.
In a post on ‘X’, Premadasa said the absence of a contingency plan to protect lives and property was indefensible given the high‑risk warnings.
“There is a high possibility that El Niño will result in not one but two disasters,” he cautioned.
His comments come in response to a new UN Asia‑Pacific assessment that places Sri Lanka among countries of “elevated concern.” The report warns of stronger El Niño conditions coinciding with rising costs and possible heavy rainfall during the upcoming Maha cultivation season.
According to the joint study by the FAO, WFP, UN Women, WMO and UN humanitarian agencies, above-average rainfall is possible from October as the Second Inter‑Monsoon begins. While additional rain could help replenish reservoirs, excessive rainfall during Maha planting may trigger flooding, waterlogging and delays to agricultural activities. (Newswire)