At least two years needed to rebuild Ditwah-Hit nation

• 666 schools closed due to disasters yet to reopen 
• Some schools may have to be relocated 
• Buildings designed and constructed by the first Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ceylon, the late Sir Ivor Jennings, remained unharmed

By Yohan Perera and Ajith Siriwardana

Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya told Parliament yesterday that the full rebuilding of the nation battered by Cyclone Ditwah would take at least two years, citing ongoing landslide risks and the need to relocate populations and schools in several areas. She noted that landslide risks are being triggered even by regular rainfall, significantly complicating recovery efforts.  “These factors will inevitably prolong the rebuilding process. It may take at least two years,” the Prime Minister said.

Responding to concerns raised by Opposition MP Rauff Hakeem, the Prime Minister confirmed that some schools may have to be relocated. She revealed that 666 schools, out of the 1,362 closed following Cyclone Ditwah, are yet to reopen. She further stated that many higher education institutions in the Central, Uva, and Sabaragamuwa Provinces have suffered extensive damage. The University of Peradeniya has been the worst affected, with its computer laboratories, veterinary unit, hostels, and swimming pool damaged by the cyclone. 

In an interesting observation, the Prime Minister disclosed that buildings designed and constructed by the first Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ceylon, the late Sir Ivor Jennings, remained unharmed. 

“Not an inch of water entered these buildings. The reason is scientific planning. This offers an important lesson—buildings must be constructed in safe locations, guided by scientific thinking,” she said. 

The Prime Minister also emphasised that while the government values the support of the Opposition, it is unable to work with individuals facing corruption charges.