Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa stated that this relief distribution process must be depoliticised, and according to reports, it is said that powerful government ministers are claiming that approval from Community Strength Committees (Praja Shakthi Committees) is required to receive these relief benefits. He further said that only the certification of state officials should be required to obtain relief—such as Grama Niladharis, Samurdhi officers, Economic Development Officers, Public Health Midwives, Agricultural Officers, Divisional Secretaries, and Disaster Management Officers—and that their verification alone is sufficient. He emphasized that civil individuals or civil committees should not be giving recommendations for distributing relief.
Sajith Premadasa expressed these views while responding to media questions at the event where the Samagi Jana Balawegaya’s “Husma” program donated a Rs. 4.6 million blood filtration machine and a mobile RO plant to the Chilaw Hospital. As part of this same program aimed at strengthening hospitals in disaster-affected areas, a Rs. 4.6 million B-Braun Dialog+ Haemodialysis machine was also donated today to the Marawila Hospital.
The Opposition Leader stated that making the certification of non-state civil committees like Praja Shakthi mandatory for relief is a deviation from the proper process, and that the relief mechanism must be depoliticised with a clean and accountable system put in place.
Free healthcare does not mean buying medicines from outside pharmacies
He further stated that Sri Lanka’s healthcare system must be developed far beyond its current state and elevated to a higher standard. He said that free healthcare should not be limited to government hospitals only. At present, patients are being forced to purchase medicines in three separate packets from outside pharmacies, which means that the system can no longer be considered a “free” health service. He emphasized that the country’s free healthcare and free education systems must be strengthened and modernized.
The Opposition will do everything possible to rebuild the health system
He added that due to the recent storm, equipment worth Rs. 600 million at the Chilaw Hospital alone had been destroyed, including the CT scanner and several other critical medical devices. Therefore, the Opposition is taking steps to rebuild the damaged hospital system and restore free healthcare to a high standard. He stressed that healthcare is a fundamental human right, and the Opposition will do everything within its capacity to rebuild the health sector and the country.
This unity must be directed towards national development
He noted that Sri Lanka must conduct a thorough review of its disaster management processes, as there are serious weaknesses at every level. At this moment, the responsibility is to correct mistakes and shortcomings. He further stated that the country is currently experiencing a great sense of unity, and such brotherhood and togetherness must continue daily, while learning from shortcomings and avoiding repeat failures.
An inquiry is needed into why no action was taken despite warnings
He said there should be an investigation into why authorities failed to act even after receiving warnings—both through local and international media—about the impending disaster. Lessons learned from this disaster must be practically implemented in the country’s systems.
The current IMF agreement must be revised
He stated that the Government should negotiate with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to revise the existing agreement in order to reduce the burden on the country and its people. A clear, people-centered, democratic amendment should be provided, ensuring that the public receives the promised relief—ideally even more relief than currently provided.
