Political truce announced by Opposition

By Yohan Perera

Opposition parties yesterday declared a temporary political truce in light of the prevailing flood situation and pledged their full support for ongoing relief efforts.

SLPP MP Namal Rajapaksa urged members of his party to assist government-led relief operations. He told the media that he had instructed all SLPP organisers to cooperate with government officials in providing aid to those affected by the floods. “I request all government officials to do their utmost to help disaster victims without being constrained by procedural issues,” he said.

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa also expressed his party’s willingness to support the government in securing additional funds for relief work. “We will support the government if a supplementary estimate is presented to Parliament,” he stated. He further recommended postponing the proposed budget allocation for importing cabs for state employees, suggesting that such funds be redirected toward relief efforts.

UNP Chairman Wajira Abeywardana likewise pledged his party’s support for relief initiatives. He urged the government to continue implementing emergency regulations to ensure timely assistance for affected communities. In addition, he proposed a debt moratorium for business owners whose enterprises have suffered losses due to the floods. He also stressed the importance of long-term disaster prevention measures, noting that the flood mitigation plan developed in 1967 by a U.S. company should finally be put into action.