Ravi demands answers on delays in Ditwah compensation

Colombo, Feb. 5 (Daily Mirror) - UNP MP Ravi Karunanayake called for an urgent Government statement on compensation and restoration following Cyclone Ditwah, which struck Sri Lanka on November 28, 2025.

Raising the matter in Parliament, Karunanayake said the cyclone caused severe loss of life, large-scale destruction and widespread displacement, yet relief and compensation efforts remain mired in delays. 

He noted that despite a Presidential directive to complete compensation by December 31, 2025, affected citizens continue to report non-payment, returned cheques, unresolved insurance claims and bureaucratic paralysis.

Warning that tens of thousands of people are still displaced more than two months after the disaster, Karunanayake said the situation raises serious concerns about transparency, accountability and the Government’s commitment to disaster recovery.

He sought clear answers from the Government on whether the Disaster Management Centre has formally approved a consolidated national loss and damage assessment, the total estimated loss, and the date of such approval. 

He also demanded a breakdown of the total restoration cost, covering housing, infrastructure, agriculture, fisheries and small and medium-scale enterprises.

Karunanayake further asked the Government to disclose the total affected population, with district-wise data on deaths, displaced families and damaged or destroyed houses, questioning reports that nearly 48,000 people are still unable to return to their homes.

He pressed the authorities to explain what compensation categories, eligibility criteria and payment rates were approved for households, deceased victims, farmers, SMEs and other affected groups, and under whose authority these decisions were taken.

Seeking accountability on payments, Karunanayake requested details on how many compensation payments and what total amounts had been disbursed as of December 31, 2025 and to date, including payments of Rs. 25,000, Rs. 50,000, Rs. 1 million for deceased persons, housing assistance of up to Rs. 10 million, as well as farmer and SME compensation—broken down by district.

He also questioned how many eligible beneficiaries remain unpaid, by category and district, and demanded explanations for delays, including verification issues, documentation problems, banking failures and funding shortfalls.

Highlighting public anger over bounced relief payments, Karunanayake asked why compensation cheques had been returned, how many such cases exist, and what corrective measures have been taken.

On insurance claims, he demanded to know what steps the Government has taken to compel insurance companies to settle outstanding claims, and how many claims and what total value remain unpaid.

He urged the Government to table a comprehensive response in Parliament, with annexed district-wise data on assessments, allocations, disbursements, returned cheques, insurance settlements and unpaid balances.