Opposition submits letter to the Speaker

19-Dec-2025

.

Opposition parties urged the Speaker on Dec 18 to appoint a Parliamentary Select Committee to fully investigate the lack of preparedness for Cyclone and failures to prevent the disaster.

The proposal, handed over by MP Anuradha Jayaratne of the New Democratic Front, was signed by 25 opposition MPs. Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa and several MPs were present.

The letter stated that assessments of loss of life, property damage, and public impact are still incomplete, despite the cyclone being one of the worst disasters in Sri Lanka’s history. It noted that warnings had been issued in advance by the Meteorological Department and international media, yet authorities were unprepared.

The opposition recalled that special select committees were appointed after previous crises such as the Easter attacks and the economic collapse. They requested a similar committee for this disaster and proposed expanding its membership to 30 MPs to ensure representation of the 22 affected districts and opposition parties.