Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa says the Sri Lankan government is unfairly blaming meteorology officials for failing to prevent the widespread destruction caused by Cyclone Ditwah, despite accurate warnings issued weeks in advance.
Premadasa said the Meteorology Department had begun alerting the public as early as November 11 about developments in the Bay of Bengal, forecasting rainfall exceeding 100 millimeters and the potential formation of a cyclone.
Warnings were also issued by the Disaster Management Center and the National Building Research Organization before the adverse weather reached the country.
“Officials who issued accurate warnings should not be targeted,” Premadasa said, questioning why disaster-management operations were not activated promptly to mitigate the impact.
Premadasa also called for transparency in relief distribution, citing a case in the Kolonnawa Division where local officials were asked to collect additional community signatures beyond the required government approvals.
He highlighted the politicization of grassroots structures, insisting that aid should be distributed based solely on state officials’ assessments.
The Opposition Leader clarified that their earlier call to declare a state of emergency was intended to expedite relief efforts for affected families, not to restrict media coverage.
“The government must focus on effective relief rather than controlling the media,” he said.
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