SLPP National Organizer Namal Rajapaksa claimed today that poor coordination among government institutions has worsened public hardship following the recent disaster.
Speaking at the Gatambe Sri Rajopawanaramaya in Peradeniya, Rajapaksa noted that while village-level officers are working to support affected families, gaps in communication among state agencies are creating further difficulties.
He highlighted the contradictions in current arrangements, pointing out that the Education Ministry plans to reopen schools on December 16, yet many displaced families are still being housed in school buildings. At the same time, the National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) is advising people to evacuate unsafe homes, while displaced persons are asked to vacate schools for reopening.
Rajapaksa called for Parliament to reconvene promptly so the government can better understand and respond to public concerns. He also urged the formation of a select committee to investigate how early warnings and disaster information were communicated to citizens.
“The government has made many promises, and those promises must be fulfilled. We are watching to see whether the President is taking the necessary steps, and we are ready to assist with coordination if needed,” he said.
He stressed the importance of a strong administrative structure and trust in government officials, warning that public suffering increases when the government bypasses its own officers. Rajapaksa also claimed that the government had instructed the appointment of its own coordination officers in certain areas due to doubts about the existing administrative machinery.
