Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa says the government must expedite efforts in relation to those affected due to inclement weather, stating that the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) will do the maximum possible to alleviate the hardship and suffering of the people.
“The need of the hour is action. Lives need to be saved. Essential items such as food, water, sanitary facilities, and safe places must be provided. Looking after the health of the people is most important. Special attention needs to be given to look after vulnerable groups such as children, mothers, women, youth, the elderly, and the disabled. Time for the government to expedite. @sjbsrilanka will do the maximum possible to alleviate the hardship and suffering of the people,” he said in a post on ‘X’.
Meanwhile, addressing the Parliament today, Premadasa stated that an immediate program must be prepared to rescue those affected due to adverse weather from this situation.
“Due to the cyclone and heavy rainfall affecting the country, a large number of people are suffering, many deaths have been reported, a significant number have been displaced, numerous houses and properties have been damaged, and others remain trapped in floods,” he said.
Premadasa further said that everyone should come together for this program and that full support will be extended to save the people from this crisis.
He emphasized that health authorities, disaster management divisions, and divisional secretariats must be provided with resources as quickly as possible. Boats and other facilities required to rescue those trapped in floods should be supplied without delay, and relief must be swiftly given to those affected by landslides.
The Opposition Leader also urged that people living in areas at risk due to heavy rainfall should follow the instructions given by government officials, as doing so would help save lives.
Noting that power outages have occurred across the country and several landslides have been reported, he stressed that the necessary resources and equipment must be provided to restore these conditions. The tri-forces, police, and civil defense services should be further strengthened to implement a program that protects the lives of the people. He added that the opposition is committed to fulfilling its responsibilities in this regard without neglect.
Premadasa further stated that if it is possible to allocate larger sums of money to the relevant institutions, it would be appropriate to do so, and requested that such funds be released as quickly as possible. If additional funds are required to provide relief to those affected by disasters, and if the government presents a supplementary estimate for this purpose, the opposition is ready to extend its support, he added.
Premadasa also highlighted that when allocating funds, it is crucial to send them promptly to district and divisional secretariats, and equally important to ensure that the allocated funds are directly used to assist the people affected by disasters. (Newswire)