We are still not prepared for preventive measures; says the Opposition Leader

07-Dec-2025

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The relief announced by the government has still not properly reached the people. This has become clear during our field visits. Although the country has been affected by severe flooding, necessary precautionary steps have still not been taken, said Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa.

He stated this while visiting displaced communities in Yatiyantota and Karawanella.

He further added:

Maximum relief and assistance must be provided to the affected people. Houses must be cleaned, damaged homes repaired, children cared for, and livelihoods rebuilt. But the relief announced by the government has not reached the public, as seen during our field assessments.

Those who are supposed to receive planned assistance are not getting it. The government must address this. Relief promised in advertisements must reach the people in reality. A weather advisory was issued on the 11th indicating dangerous conditions.

It cannot be ignored. When the Meteorological Department says that a low-pressure area may intensify into a cyclone, the Disaster Management Center should have begun preparations. If such action had been taken, the impact and pressure on the people could have been reduced.

Lives could have been saved and public safety ensured. Although a tsunami affected the country in the past, preventive measures based on those experiences are still lacking.

Politicians must take responsibility after any disaster. They must face reality instead of shifting blame to officials. The government continues to act too slowly in all matters.

The government has now submitted a compensation proposal. We had urged this earlier. We repeatedly requested engagement with the IMF regarding the country’s challenges. The government ignored these calls at the time and is only now initiating negotiations.

We have already pointed out how conditions should be eased. The government must act decisively and understand the country’s real situation. Through negotiations with the IMF, conditions should be eased to support the people. For us in the Opposition, the people come first.

No matter the obstacles, we will assist those in need. Arrogance must be set aside. The issues faced by disaster-affected people must be treated as our own and resolved.