Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has called on the government to ensure that all relief promised to those affected by Cyclone Ditwa is delivered without delay, even as the country marks the New Year.
Speaking at an event held under the Samagi Jana Balawegaya’s Husma programme, Premadasa said it was vital not to forget the silent majority who continue to suffer due to deaths, displacement, unemployment and other hardships caused by the recent disaster.
He made these remarks while donating hospital equipment worth Rs. 2.8 million to the Karawanella Base Hospital. The donation included five patient monitors, a syringe pump and an infusion pump, and was aimed at strengthening healthcare services in disaster-affected areas following Cyclone Ditwa.
Premadasa noted that research conducted by Australia’s Monash University, which examined 217 cyclones across nine countries between 2000 and 2019, found that post-disaster deaths often exceed fatalities during the disaster itself, mainly due to weaknesses in hospital systems and healthcare infrastructure.
He said the Husma programme was launched to prevent a similar situation in Sri Lanka by supporting the health sector in affected regions.
Emphasising the need for accountability, Premadasa said the government must ensure the proper utilisation of allocated funds and distribute relief payments through an efficient and transparent mechanism. He also called for major reforms to Sri Lanka’s disaster management framework, including elevating disaster management to a Cabinet-level subject, establishing new institutions, and strengthening early warning systems such as Doppler radar technology.
Referring to India’s experience after the Odisha super cyclone, Premadasa said Sri Lanka must learn from countries that have successfully reduced disaster-related fatalities through improved planning and preparedness. He added that despite the heavy loss of life during the 2004 tsunami, Sri Lanka has yet to fully implement long-term disaster mitigation strategies.
Premadasa further urged the government not to disregard proposals made by the opposition, stating that the Samagi Jana Balawegaya is ready to support any international donor conference aimed at assisting Sri Lanka’s recovery and strengthening disaster resilience.
