No institution was prepared for recent disaster: President

• Announces rent aid, debt moratorium in disaster relief package

By Yohan Perera and Ajith Siriwardana

No institution was prepared to face the recent disaster, as none had drawn up plans to respond to an emergency of such scale, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake told Parliament yesterday.

“Some members of the opposition have alleged that we did not act in accordance with the Disaster Management Act when responding to the crisis. 

The truth is that none of the institutions responsible for disaster response had the necessary plans in place to face a cyclone of this nature. Therefore, we had to operate under the National Security Ordinance to manage the floods. This was the best available option. 

The opposition wanted an emergency declared, and I obliged,” the President said, winding up the committee stage debate. He noted that the floods—and the landslides in particular—had dealt a blow to the Sri Lankan economy, which had been gradually regaining stability.

“Our economy was growing and moving toward stability. However, this disaster will have some impact,” he said.

The President added that proposals such as presenting a fresh budget or introducing interim financial arrangements were unnecessary. 

“It is entirely possible to continue the ongoing economic reforms. We will, however, redirect some funds for rebuilding. Road development can continue under the existing budget proposals. 

We have already allocated Rs. 49 billion for the development of minor roads, and it is these minor roads that have been damaged. Therefore, the existing allocation can be utilised for reconstruction,” he explained.  

He further stated that funds would also be drawn from the Rs. 72 billion supplementary estimate already presented to Parliament.

Additionally, the President announced a relief package for those affected by the disaster. It includes a monthly payment of Rs. 25,000 as rent assistance for families choosing to leave temporary camps, financial support for paddy farmers to clean and re-cultivate their fields, and a debt moratorium for small and medium enterprises.