Reply To:
Name - Reply Comment
Govt. under fire for failure to mitigate disaster damage despite prior warnings
MIRROR AI
⏳ Generating summary…
Disaster Management Act says all, but govt. has not acted
President empowered under the Act to declare a disaster situation
Disaster committee appointed only on Nov 27, after the red alert
Essential services not declared even by November 28
By Prageeth Sampath Karunatilake
The government is under fire for its alleged failure to mitigate and manage the impact of Cyclone Ditwah, despite prior warnings from relevant agencies. By November 25, the Department of Meteorology and the Irrigation Department had given prior notice in this regard.
Still, the government has allegedly failed in taking pre-emptive action. The Department of Meteorology is under the Ministry of Defence, whereas the Disaster Management Centre falls under the purview of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
The Disaster Management Centre is duty-bound to work out a national disaster management plan in terms of the Disaster Management Act No.13 of 2005. Disaster forecasting, coordination among the relevant agencies and regular communication between them and international agencies should feature in such a plan. The Act envisages how the government should act regarding possible disasters between 2023 and 2030. The Act has outlined how the government mechanism from the centre right down to Grama Niladhari division levels should be activated in the event of a disaster. It also says how people should be looked after with food and shelter. Despite all that, the disaster management committee had not met till November 23.
The National Executive Council related to disaster management should meet four times a year. Yet, it has not met even once this year. A workshop regarding disaster management was conducted on June 16, 2025, at a leading hotel in Colombo. The Defence Secretary made the keynote address. But it is alleged that the government has no plan of action to be taken in the event of a disaster.
The Meteorology Department and the Irrigation Department had issued a red notice on November 25. Yet, the government appointed the disaster committee on November 27. The government declared a holiday for public servants on November 28. The Director General, Disaster Management was appointed the following day only. By November 28, the government had failed to declare essential services.
Had the government acted according to the law, the loss of human lives could have been averted. The President is empowered under the Act to declare a disaster situation. If he fails in this regard, it amounts to a violation of the Constitution as ruled by the Supreme Court.
Our attempts to reach the media division of the DMC for comments failed.
Comments - 60
Comments - Govt. under fire for failure to mitigate disaster damage despite prior warnings
-
Iwazaru Saturday, 06 December 2025 08:48 AM
Under fire from the uneducated SJB. Weather can never be produced 100%. It is just a prediction. These news welcomed by the people who ear a lot of pork. About a year ago a whole village in Japan got washed off with Japan having all the modern weather monitoring systems.
91 243
Nipuna Gayan Saturday, 06 December 2025 08:01 PM
The government and its supporters' strongest weakness is the belief that they are so educated and will never go wrong. One such pandit, an NPP parliamentarian, has accused the Mahaweli Project of being one of the main reasons for the recent disaster- what a ridiculous statement. Tsunamis hit Japan, and a cyclone hit Sri Lanka. An extract from another news article, "Unlike tsunamis, hydrometeorological hazards like cyclones arrive with sufficient notice of several days to take precautions. As early as November 12, Sri Lanka's Department of Meteorology had publicly flagged the prospect of extreme rainfall later in the month. That should have triggered a process of preparations across the government at the central, provincial, and local levels.” However, Japan usually experiences typhoons-powerful tropical cyclones. According to Google, Japan has experienced 6 typhoons since 2018, and casualties were minimal. From 1 death to 47. But in Sri Lanka, how many casualties?
56 54
Pierre Gunesekera Saturday, 06 December 2025 08:51 AM
Could any mechanism if it had been in place even before, have knowledge of the ferocious nature of a cyclone and the ultimate outcome to mitigate solutions? Step into looking at assisting those effected, not seen any initiative to do so.
38 148
Insider Saturday, 06 December 2025 11:18 AM
The phrase "everyone is a pundit after a disaster" highlights a common phenomenon where, following a crisis or negative event, many people offer analysis, criticism, and solutions with the benefit of hindsight. It is easier to identify failures in preparation or response after the outcome is known. People often overlook the complexities, uncertainties, and information limitations that decision-makers faced at the time. The period following a disaster often becomes a "political arena" where different actors engage in finger-pointing to assign responsibility for the damage and loss of life. If Ranil was there he will appoint a Committee while MR will gladly HELP himself.
36 132
Despicable Saturday, 06 December 2025 03:01 PM
If warnings were given as early as 25 November, what were all these geneious doing? Instead of screaming now, they should have started screaming then seeing the government's inaction or lack of action or lethargic action. Was it because they knew and wanted the inpact to be catastrophic so they can happily criticize the government later despite knowing the scale of possible loss of life. If that's the case how can the citizens trust these people who for their own benefit (REGAIN/GAIN power) sacrifice helpless citizens? or they themselves were clueless as to what was coming? My only regret is that the cyclone/floods spared these lives. These forces could have helped with the clean SL initiative by sweeping away these despicable people.
12 35
George Ginasekara Saturday, 06 December 2025 04:33 PM
The idea that “everyone becomes a pundit after a disaster” is convenient, but it risks excusing a pattern of predictable failures. Yes, hindsight gives clarity—but early warnings, expert reports, and risk assessments exist precisely so leaders can act before tragedy strikes. Sri Lanka’s issue is not the sudden wisdom of the public after the fact; it is the chronic inability of those in authority to respond swiftly when credible information is already available. Calling this “finger-pointing” ignores the real question: why does the government repeatedly wait for damage, death, and international headlines before taking action? This is not an unpredictable calamity—it is a failure of preparedness, coordination, and political will. And invoking the old joke that one leader would appoint a committee while another would “help himself” only underlines the deeper truth: our political culture has normalised delay, deflection, and self-interest. Disaster management cannot rely on post-mortem
8 15
Arthur Saturday, 06 December 2025 09:31 AM
The action taken by Government and relevant emergency and disaster management agencies bear a distinct resemblance to what happened during the Easter Attack - viz. do nothing and expect the best and then following the event react! . Obviously something is wrong with Sri Lankan officialdom - a fear of taking decisions, right or wrong. Risk Management is the key word.
39 109
Jude Saturday, 06 December 2025 09:39 AM
First time in the history in SL, government been held responsible for natural disaster like cyclone. Absolutely ridiculous!!! It never happened before where thousands of cyclones, floods, and earthquakes happened never in the history government was accused as responsible for the natural disaster.
76 195
Aby Saturday, 06 December 2025 11:18 AM
Itself is evident that particularly this government is inefficient and immature
162 79
Realistica Adams Saturday, 06 December 2025 11:24 AM
Petty politics to keep a few who have not much to do amused.
25 99
Kikazaru Saturday, 06 December 2025 01:38 PM
May be first time in the world or the Universe.
9 15
Ruwan Wickrama Saturday, 06 December 2025 04:38 PM
No one is arguing that cyclone paths are perfect—every meteorological office in the world acknowledges the “cone of uncertainty.” But using the limits of prediction as an excuse for inaction is exactly the problem Sri Lankans are tired of. Forecasts don’t need to be perfect to trigger preparedness; they only need to indicate credible risk. That is why countries with far fewer resources manage evacuations, alerts, and contingency plans long before a cyclone makes landfall. The point is not whether the spaghetti models aligned perfectly. The point is whether the authorities acted on the available warnings, even with uncertainty, to protect people. That is what disaster management is for—acting under uncertainty, not waiting for certainty. Dismissing media reports as “bribed by the opposition” is another convenient way to avoid answering the real questions. It is easier to blame journalists than to explain why early warnings weren’t matched with decisive action. Not every criticism is
4 19
Jude Saturday, 06 December 2025 09:42 AM
For even report such a ridiculous accommodation well the media been bribed by the opposition.
57 143
Jude Saturday, 06 December 2025 10:15 AM
The cyclones pathe(Spaghetti plots) unpredictable. Accuracy decreases further out, relying on large-scale steering winds, through unexpected shifts happens; forecast shows a "Cone of uncertainty" because they follow major currants but can deviate, whit different models offering varying paths. IN SHORT PREDICTIONS GOOD BUT NOT PERFECT.
24 71
Chams Saturday, 06 December 2025 10:43 AM
Learn to be neutral as a media! Don't become the mouthpiece of the Opposition!
46 117
Pina from Amsterdam Saturday, 06 December 2025 03:47 PM
Bravo!
6 19
Realistica Adams Saturday, 06 December 2025 11:10 AM
Wrong. Previous governments under fire for not putting systems in place to warn of impending cyclones. The Disaster Management Act just like the Anti Corruption Act was sitting dormant without the necessary operational teeth. HE the President explained to parliament yesterday why the Public Security Act was enforced instead with the agreement of all including leader of opposition. The usual rabble rousers only are attempting to blame the government, but no one is buying that bs.
30 82
sachith Saturday, 06 December 2025 11:22 AM
Why no body is asking for parliament committee for investigating these allegations? Also fundamental rights violations case against Anura and gov in Supreme court?
19 45
DM Observer Saturday, 06 December 2025 11:26 AM
Predictions do not have to be perfect for people and governments to pay heed in this era of extreme weather events. Gone are the days when the Met. Dept.s worldwide used to predict sunshine, people went on picnics and returned home drenched. Thanks to modern technology, the accuracy of predictions have improved to an unprecedented extent. The International Space Station also continues to play an important role in warning Earth about impending weather events. Always better to be safe than sorry.
10 45
WOULD BE INTERESTING FOR ALL OF US TO KNOW HOW EQUIPPED WAS THE MET DEPT TO READ AND PREDICT WHAT WAS COMING OUR WAY!!. Saturday, 06 December 2025 03:49 PM
CAN YOU TELL US WHAT EQUIPMENT THE MET DEPT HAS, HOW OLD IS THE EQUIPMENT AND ANY UPTODATE EQUIPMENT THEY HAD WHEN THIS NATURAL DISASTER WAS APPROACHING THE COUNTRY?.
4 9
DM Observer Sunday, 07 December 2025 02:21 PM
Visit Met. Dept. website and click on PRISM. Some excerpts: “PRISM is a climate risk monitoring system that integrates geospatial data on hazards such as droughts, floods, tropical storms and earthquakes, along with information on socioeconomic vulnerability, to inform disaster risk reduction and social assistance programmes. . . PRISM mitigates the impact of climate-driven hazards by presenting decision-makers with the most up-to-date risk and impact analytics available. . . PRISM combines information from satellites and other remote sensing sources with World Food Programme data on vulnerability to create actionable climate information for decision-makers, allowing them to prioritize assistance to those most in need. . . The system is actively used by government partners in Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Mongolia and Cambodia. . . When an acute disaster strikes, such as cyclones, typhoons [or] hurricanes, PRISM can rapidly produce statistics on the number of people potentially exposed. . .”
0 2
saman Saturday, 06 December 2025 11:28 AM
At least the aid is going to the needy, instead of going to a bank account in Hambantota
29 118
Realistica Adams Saturday, 06 December 2025 11:29 AM
Definitely not with the types of equipment we have in SL
14 52
Sam Saturday, 06 December 2025 11:29 AM
This time opposition will learn a lesson from people
31 83
MARK THE WORDS OF THE MAJORITY Saturday, 06 December 2025 03:45 PM
CORRECT SAM, PEOPLES POWER WILL HAVE A BIGGER CROWD AND THE PRESIDENT/NPP GOVT WILL HAVE A FAR BIGGER MAJORITY COME THE NEXT PRESIDENTIAL AND GENERAL ELECTIONS.
13 21
Lol Saturday, 06 December 2025 11:36 AM
It is unpredictable and that's the very reason why precautions should be taken!
10 53
confuse(ious.) Saturday, 06 December 2025 05:10 PM
What specific precautions can be taken against an unpredictable disaster. Unpredictable means means something or someone cannot be known, foreseen, or relied upon to behave in a certain way; it's characterized by change, uncertainty, and a lack of consistent patterns. so tell us what should the govt have done.
5 9
TINME TO MOVE ON FROM BLAMING PRESIDENT/NPP GOVT Sunday, 07 December 2025 08:10 AM
WELL SAID, SEE THE NATURAL DISASTERS HAPPENING RIGHT NOW IN SOME DEVELOPED COUNTRIES HAVING THE LATEST EQUIPMENT AND STILL UNABLE TO CONTROL. AT TIMES NO COUNTRY CAN CONTROL NATURE HOW EVERY HARD THEY TRY AND THIS WAS SUCH AN INSTANCE IN THE COUNTRY.
3 2
Sutharsan Jeganathan Saturday, 06 December 2025 12:06 PM
I hope mainly previous governments should be under fire, because they are responsible for current inefficient state infrastructure. It doesn't mean the current government is doing everything perfectly and efficiently. They are still at the beginning of a long road map, while doing same politics wrapped into new packages. A real genuine government can achieve so many things within an year.
7 16
Wije Saturday, 06 December 2025 12:20 PM
People who Rule the country also responsible for approving ad -hoc construction in the Hill country without any proper plan or environment assessment.
4 18
GOOD FOR THE GOOSES, GOOD FOR THE GANDERS Sunday, 07 December 2025 08:13 AM
SOME HAVE FORGOTTEN THE NUMEROUS LAND GRABBING DONE IN THE PAST DECADES BY SOME POLITICIANS, THEIR FAMILIES AND STOOGES. THE DESPERATE POOR ND LESS FORTUNATE SEEING THIS WENT ON THEIR OWN LAND GRABBING FOR PAST DECADES.
2 3
LMAO Sunday, 07 December 2025 01:15 PM
Harking back to the past doesn't excuse or justify what is being done in the present. You NPP stooges are really something else!
0 4
Lion Saturday, 06 December 2025 12:34 PM
Government under fire from the opposition as they have no way of coming to power as the ordinary masses are behind the government.
8 24
Lokka Saturday, 06 December 2025 12:37 PM
Governments popularity is increasing while opposition is firing at the government which will not affect the government at all
13 20
Nalin Gooneratne Saturday, 06 December 2025 12:46 PM
If the previous governments had not cleared jungles and filled marshes the effect would have been much less. The present government has received a badly governed country. It is not possible to correct everything in a short time, especially with some corrupt officials (not all). What the present government has done is reasonably good, but should be careful of those who will take advantage of the present situation. There will be a few undesirable people even among the government supporters and the government should be careful.
8 23
Kandy man Saturday, 06 December 2025 12:52 PM
Fire not from the people of the , fire comes only from the opposition that no one cares
9 20
Democrat Saturday, 06 December 2025 02:02 PM
Opposition is under fire for distributing the relief efforts ,which was seen very clearly in Kandy recently
7 13
[email protected] Saturday, 06 December 2025 02:25 PM
This is typical of SL people blaming others for their faults, illegal forest clearing, clearing swamps to build hotels, illegal digging and many harmful activities done over 20-30 years by people working either with government backing or by some political backing is the cause... No point blaming the present government, previous governments are responsible as well. This government should ensure nobody does these kind of activities and mess with the nature, anybody found damaging nature should be properly punished. I
12 17
Dumin Madagoda Saturday, 06 December 2025 09:50 PM
Brilliant logic. Using that standard, we might as well tell every government from now until 2050, “Don’t bother acting during a crisis—someone else messed things up before you, so you’re automatically innocent.” Of course long-term environmental abuse is a factor. Everyone knows that. But pretending that destroys the government’s responsibility today, when they had legal powers, advance warnings, a Disaster Management Act, red alerts on November 25th, and still waited until November 27th to even appoint the committee—that’s not environmental science; that’s political yoga. Yes, punish people who destroy nature—absolutely. But that doesn’t magically erase the government’s duty to act swiftly when a cyclone is literally approaching the coastline. The Act clearly empowers the President to declare a disaster situation and mobilise all agencies. They simply didn’t do it. Environmental crimes didn’t stop them from meeting four times a year as required. Environmental crimes didn’t delay th
2 4
LMAO Sunday, 07 December 2025 01:16 PM
Well said!!
0 0
S P Saturday, 06 December 2025 02:43 PM
It’s a waste of time to join this conversation when each and every comment is there to exonerate the authorities at all cost. Don’t they have even an iota of responsibility for mitigating this calamity as the government in power? When they had access to an array of legislation, disaster management plans and the vast experience gained as a nation from past calamities? When something bad happens (past, present and future) why is it always the opposition?
9 11
Bandara Gamage Saturday, 06 December 2025 02:53 PM
Excellent article. Government needs to be accountable for failures. Of course, the cronies will come up with excuses. No different to previous political culture. Keep doing the good work.
30 13
Lk. Saturday, 06 December 2025 03:03 PM
NPP is doing well but opposition’s don’t like it at all Support them iif you love this country and its people Otherwise you will never win
10 16
Bernard Saturday, 06 December 2025 03:16 PM
Anyone could be a sensible reader or higher govt official or a responsible politician - who has a heart for the country and its people - please ask those who criticize the govt's relentless efforts to build our country that what has happened to the Dopplar radar? They should and have to respond. Because it's our money. People who lost their lives are our brethren. So we need answers from those who were in power that period.
4 13
Arrest Kaithan Saturday, 06 December 2025 03:53 PM
The recent floods that claimed the lives of more than 500 people were, without doubt, a man-made disaster. The logic is simple: if you pour an entire bucket of water over your head at once instead of using a small cup gradually, the result is overwhelming. For almost five to six weeks the country experienced continuous heavy rainfall, yet the government acted far too late. All major reservoirs reached their peak levels, raising serious fears. Instead of managing water levels gradually and responsibly. This sudden and massive release of water swept through low lying areas, causing unprecedented flooding that destroyed countless lives, properties, roads, electricity networks, communication lines, water treatment plants and more. This failure to act in a timely and responsible manner is nothing short of a criminal offence. And the culprits who murdered innocent people cannot go unpunished.
6 13
sss Saturday, 06 December 2025 04:40 PM
And unlike during previous governments they have also failed to pad their bank accounts with the aid money
5 8
Despicable Saturday, 06 December 2025 05:27 PM
If warnings were given as early as 25 November, what were all these geneious doing? Instead of screaming now, they should have started screaming then seeing the government's inaction or lack of action or lethargic action. Was it because they knew and wanted the inpact to be catastrophic so they can happily criticize the government despite knowing the scale of possible loss of life. If that's the case how can the citizens trust these people who for their own benefit (REGAIN/GAIN power) sacrifice helpless citizens? or they themselves were clueless what waa coming? My only regret is that the cyclone/floods spared these lives. They could have helped with the clean SL initiative by sweeping away these despicable people.
6 13
kumara Ekanayake Saturday, 06 December 2025 05:41 PM
in my opinion this a exteme wether event, Sri Lanka experienced this type of event for the first time. this shoul be a leaning curve for everybody,
6 16
Arul Saturday, 06 December 2025 09:14 PM
During Tsunami time , after the Indonesia earthquake, warning was issued about a potential tsunami in Sri Lanka . It took (the tsunami)three and half hours. to reach Sri Lanka. What was the then government doing during that three and a half hours? Why did they allow the train to run in which 900 people killed?
4 8
Bernard Saturday, 06 December 2025 10:13 PM
Why all our past geniuses couldn't predict the 2004 pacific tsunami? That was the worst ever disaster the country/region had ever experienced. Everyone was head over heels to help fellow human. Now what happens is adding insult to already an injured nation. At least take a showel and clean a small chunk of mud is more worthwhile than these rubbish accusations, especially you, the politicians!
1 3
Voter Sunday, 07 December 2025 12:49 AM
All previous governments from President Premadasa era are responsible for the billions of disaster and loss of human life. They built low cost houses cutting down hills and allowed traders to build shops blocking water ways without proper drainage system. All corrupt government officials allowed illegal constructions for a bribe which previous governments ignored. Those unplanned constructions are the reason for the destruction. The donkeys in the oppositions try their best to discredit this government. There fire may be news for the media but doesnt impress the people. It will make the people hate this opposition more and more for there games
1 6
Sham Sunday, 07 December 2025 12:57 AM
Previous governments who allowed illegal deforestation, building highways without proper planning... All these activities and many others like clearing swamps, have caused this mess.. any government elected should look into illegal deforestation, who did, who backed this, and take them to rask...
0 5
wickrama Sunday, 07 December 2025 02:43 AM
When the piers of bridges get washed off and the foundations of buildings sink due to reduction of bearing capacity, what type of competent engineers are we boasting about? In the recent SL events, the 'brilliant' SL RDA engineers designed a multi-span bridge that could not withstand the overturning of its piers resulting from scouring when the river was flowing half full. Kulasinghe the Great made a rash decision on the foundations of the SEC head office, which resulted in the building sinking. The building was underpinned, additional floors were cancelled, and the issue was swept under the carpet. I was there as I underpinned the building. RDA operations and competence should come under the microscope.
0 2
David Moor Sunday, 07 December 2025 03:13 AM
The government of Sri Lanka is doing great post disaster management. We appreciate as international community.
0 6
Gihan Sunday, 07 December 2025 07:04 AM
Perhaps the government can clearly state the actions it took after the many international alerts and warnings of how is planned and prepared for the impending catastrophe. It should include water management, public education, situation monitoring, command and control. They should clarify the water management strategy implemented given the meteorological warnings and alerts. This information will assist a more informed critique of the events.
1 2
ottantik Sunday, 07 December 2025 11:40 AM
Some say it's because of one bullshit reason, others say it's because of some other bullshit reason. Difficult to pick a best line in this, but for me this article is utter bullshit because it's manufactured daily to be mirrored.
0 1
pradeep Sunday, 07 December 2025 11:59 AM
No one is blaming the government except a few bankrupt politicians who have no credibility to reach the people, and some media outlets that are working to push a political agenda. With this kind of weather report, what action can the government realistically take? (If you check, you may find more than 25 similar reports in a year.) Can the government release water from reservoirs based on such vague reports? If an unpredictable cyclone fails to bring the predicted rain, what would be the reaction of these critics? Can the government evacuate all people in hill areas? And even if they ask, will people agree to leave? The truth is, 99% of the people who lost their lives were victims of landslides, not floods. Natural disasters do not occur in a controllable way. It is clear that the ulterior motive of these critics is to block aid, disrupt recovery efforts, and grab political power.
0 4
Romano Hunasgiriya Monday, 08 December 2025 10:59 AM
This is only Prageeth Sampath Karunaratne’s version. His selected criticism is over ridden by a lot of positive action undertaken by the government.
0 0
Rohini Wijetilleke Thursday, 11 December 2025 07:05 PM
Stop being critical . Do what you can to help.
0 0
Rohini Wijetilleke Friday, 12 December 2025 04:45 AM
Stop the blame game. Do what you.can any way you can. Finding fault is not the way to go ahead The administration is doing what they can with the help of many nations .
0 0
222
Add comment
Comments will be edited (grammar, spelling and slang) and authorized at the discretion of Daily Mirror online. The website also has the right not to publish selected comments.
Recommended
You May Also Like
Trending
