President Calls for Unified, Nonpartisan National Response

06-Dec-2025

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“Let’s act on the basis of public policy. Let’s work as a national assembly without dividing into government and opposition,” President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said in Parliament.

He expressed deep condolences over the nationwide tragedy, loss of life, missing people, and the emotional pain faced by the country.

He honored military, naval, police, and electricity-sector personnel who died while rescuing people.

He criticized those who questioned officials while staying comfortably out of harm’s way, saying the officials’ service in crisis deserves appreciation.

He said:

“Emergency regulations were enacted because the Disaster Management Act had shortcomings. I did not violate the Constitution. The emergency will not be used against democracy.

If anyone tries to mislead people and create conflict during this crisis, action will be taken under the law.”

He detailed large-scale relief allocations: cash grants for house cleaning, rebuilding, rent assistance, agricultural revival, livestock, SMEs, damaged boats, school students, and more. A supplementary estimate of 50 billion rupees will be presented on the 19th.

He promised rapid repair of roads, bridges, power, water supply, and railways. A presidential task force will be established for recovery. Future disaster-prevention planning will be strengthened, and illegal settlements in high-risk areas will face strict legal action.

He urged the opposition to cooperate and to stop politicizing deaths.