Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa on Thursday said the government should not place blame on the Meteorology Department at a time when millions have been displaced by the recent disaster.
Speaking in Dompe after visiting a medical camp set up for displaced families, Premadasa said Met Department officials had repeatedly issued warnings since November 11, updating forecasts as conditions evolved.
He argued that the department’s reports were being unfairly questioned and that the priority should be to strengthen national disaster preparedness rather than target public officials.
“Pointing fingers at meteorologists is not the government’s duty when lives have been lost and millions have been affected,” Premadasa said, adding that Sri Lanka’s weather forecasting capacity must be modernized with new technology, including Doppler radar systems for more accurate predictions.
He said experts have long recommended at least two Doppler radar units in areas such as Puttalam and Pottuvil, which remain unimplemented despite repeated disasters.
Premadasa further said that although warnings were issued, Sri Lanka lacked a robust disaster response mechanism and proper preparedness plans. He urged the government to invest in modern equipment and skilled personnel to mitigate future crises.
He also called for comprehensive relief for every family affected by the recent floods and landslides, insisting that the state should direct its efforts toward rebuilding lives rather than criticizing institutions that provided early warnings.
Harshana Rajakaruna, a Samagi Jana Balawegaya MP, also joined the visit to Dompe. (Newswire)