“Government negligence caused the disaster,” says MP Nalinda Bandara

06-Dec-2025

.

“Due to the government’s negligence, the loss of life and property damage increased drastically. A special committee must be appointed to conduct a proper investigation. Another committee should be set up to examine how the Irrigation Department acted during the crisis,” said United People’s Power MP Nalinda Bandara from Kurunegala.

He said this during the Dec 5 committee-stage debate of the 2026 Budget.

He continued:

“The government failed to manage the disaster. Government officials couldn’t act effectively because their independence has been undermined. The government must take responsibility. The Meteorology Department had issued warnings, but the government ignored them. They acted recklessly, and the government must answer for the destruction. The government attacks media outlets and journalists who expose its weaknesses. That is completely wrong. They should accept their mistakes and correct them. Villagers themselves say the government has failed. That’s why government MPs didn’t go among the people during the disaster. Instead, they show up like opposition members, distributing NGO-donated aid. To escape the current crisis, the government must seek international support. The livelihoods of small and medium-scale workers must be protected.”