Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa has scathingly criticised the government’s response to the recent adverse weather conditions, alleging that the administration is treating the national tragedy as a joke while failing to effectively mobilise the state machinery. Speaking to the media regarding relief efforts for those affected by floods and landslides, Rajapaksa expressed deep concern over the apparent disconnect between the government and the public sector. He argued that the state machinery has failed to operate properly because trust in the government has collapsed, while conversely, the administration does not trust the state service.
Highlighting the severity of the crisis, Rajapaksa remarked that even after such a disaster where innocent children and parents were buried under soil or swept away by massive floods, the government appears to treat the situation with levity. He emphasised that this is not the time for politicians to engage in finger-pointing or attempt to prove debating skills, but rather to provide necessary relief to victims who have lost their homes, businesses, and livelihoods. Instead of a mere blame game, Rajapaksa proposed the appointment of a Parliamentary Select Committee to identify those responsible for neglecting their duties, suggesting this would allow the legislature to determine who is at fault more effectively than legal battles.
The MP also critiqued the government’s recent appointment of district leaders, sarcastically noting that while the LTTE once attempted to divide the country in two, the current administration seems to have fragmented the concept of a Head of State into 25 pieces. He warned that these appointments must not be used to assert political dominance but to genuinely assist people. Furthermore, he pointed out the dangers of rushing displaced citizens back to their homes, observing that authorities are pushing for resettlement even where houses and the ground remain cracked and unstable.
Rajapaksa urged the government to draw lessons from history, specifically the resettlement efforts following the 2004 Tsunami and the end of the war in 2009, where previous administrations managed to restore normalcy relatively quickly. He concluded by stating that the government should stop blaming the ’74-year curse’ and instead listen seriously to the sorrows of helpless citizens without dismissing their plight.
