The Justice for All collective has called for inclusive and accountable political leadership in responding to the humanitarian crisis triggered by Cyclone Ditwah, which has left hundreds dead, missing, or displaced across Sri Lanka.
In a statement, the group questioned whether all necessary disaster preparedness mechanisms, including those outlined in the Sri Lanka Disaster Management Act, were fully operational. It also expressed concern over the scope and relevance of emergency regulations imposed after the state of emergency was declared on Nov. 28.
The collective urged the government to uphold President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s commitment to limit the use of emergency powers strictly to disaster response, warning against any infringement on democratic rights.
While acknowledging that rescue and relief efforts remain the immediate priority, the group stressed the need for equitable, conflict-sensitive recovery plans and long-term structural reforms. It called on all political parties to set aside divisions and collaborate on a national recovery strategy.
Parliamentarians were also urged to exercise effective oversight of public spending and ensure transparency and accountability throughout the response.
“We also call on all political parties and actors not to politicise this catastrophic humanitarian tragedy for partisan political campaigns. Finally, we urge the government and all political parties to come together without further delay to deliberate and agree upon measures that need to be taken in the interest of all people in the country,” the statement said.
The appeal was signed by a group of civil and political leaders, including Prof. Jayadeva Uyangoda, Dr. Jayampathy Wickramaratne PC, Eran Wickramaratne, M.A. Sumanthiran PC, Saliya Peiris PC, MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam, Bhavani Fonseka, Ermiza Tegal, Nadishani Perera, Jerusha Crosette-Thambiah, Ravinthran Niloshan and Benislos Thushan. (Newswire)