Govt slow to act on disaster law, Opposition Leader tells Parliament

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa told Parliament on Thursday that the government appeared unaware of the legal provisions allowing it to declare a national disaster situation, as adverse weather continues to affect large parts of the country.

Premadasa said he urged President Anura Kumara Dissanayake earlier in the day to immediately declare a national disaster, noting such action would enable the government to deliver relief more effectively under the Disaster Management Act.

The request was made during a meeting with the President on the parliamentary premises Thursday morning, Premadasa said.

“I made this request as relief could be provided to those who are affected by adverse weather conditions if a national disaster situation is declared as per the Disaster Management Act,” he told lawmakers.