Namal Rajapaksa, National Organizer of the Lanka Podujana Peramuna and a Member of Parliament, stated that despite government assurances to provide relief to those affected by recent disasters, no compensation has yet been received by people impacted by the adverse weather conditions.
Speaking to the media, Rajapaksa said that officials at the district and divisional levels—including Government Agents, Divisional Secretariats, and village-level officers in the affected areas—have not received any formal written instructions outlining the procedures for providing compensation to disaster victims. He noted that although the President has made statements in Parliament regarding compensation, contradictory positions have been presented at district development committee meetings.
“It is regrettable that political authorities are even holding ceremonies to issue death certificates. Instead of wasting time on ceremonies, what people urgently need are land deeds and permanent solutions,” Rajapaksa said.
He emphasized that a practical and effective approach is required to deliver relief to the affected communities at this stage. Rajapaksa also pointed out that there is still no proper mechanism for people to directly communicate their concerns to the authorities. “They only get the opportunity to share their problems when we visit them,” he said.
Rajapaksa further stated that the government has failed to provide adequate support to those most severely affected by the adverse weather. He added that many displaced families remain uncertain about when they will be able to return to their homes and are currently living in temporary shelters.
He also noted that officials from the National Building Research Institute (NBRI) have yet to visit several villages where evacuation warnings have been issued.
Namal Rajapaksa urged the relevant authorities to take immediate action to address the concerns of the affected communities and to ensure timely relief, resettlement, and long-term solutions.
