The United National Party (UNP) has launched a scathing attack on the Sri Lankan government, alleging critical failures in disaster management during last week's devastating floods caused by Cyclone Ditwah. The opposition party claims the government never activated the country's National Disaster Management Plan, a lapse they argue significantly worsened the crisis and contributed to unnecessary loss of life and property.
Government's Disaster Response Under Fire
According to UNP sources, Sri Lanka's comprehensive National Disaster Management Plan, designed specifically for such emergencies, remained dormant throughout the flooding crisis. This plan, developed to coordinate emergency responses across multiple government agencies, includes protocols for early warning systems, evacuation procedures, and resource allocation during natural disasters.
The failure to implement these established procedures has drawn sharp criticism from disaster management experts and opposition politicians alike. The UNP argues that proper activation of the plan could have prevented many of the tragic outcomes witnessed during Cyclone Ditwah's impact on the island nation.
Cyclone Ditwah's Devastating Impact
Cyclone Ditwah brought unprecedented rainfall and flooding to multiple districts across Sri Lanka, affecting thousands of families and causing significant infrastructure damage. The storm's intensity caught many communities unprepared, with residents reporting inadequate warning systems and delayed emergency responses.
Preliminary damage assessments indicate extensive flooding in residential areas, agricultural lands, and critical infrastructure including roads, bridges, and public buildings. The human cost has been particularly severe, with emergency services struggling to reach affected areas due to poor coordination and resource management.
Weather experts had predicted the cyclone's approach days in advance, raising questions about why the government failed to implement established disaster protocols despite having sufficient warning time.
Opposition Demands Accountability
UNP leadership has called for immediate parliamentary inquiry into the government's handling of the flood crisis. The party argues that the failure to activate disaster management protocols represents a fundamental breach of the government's duty to protect citizens during emergencies.
Opposition members are particularly critical of the lack of coordination between the Disaster Management Centre, local government authorities, and emergency services. This coordination failure allegedly resulted in delayed evacuations, inadequate relief distribution, and poor communication with affected communities.
The UNP has also questioned the readiness of emergency shelters and relief supplies, suggesting that proper plan activation would have ensured these resources were mobilized effectively before the cyclone's arrival.
Disaster Management Plan Overview
Sri Lanka's National Disaster Management Plan encompasses comprehensive strategies for various natural disasters, including cyclones, floods, landslides, and droughts. The plan establishes clear command structures, communication protocols, and resource allocation mechanisms designed to minimize disaster impacts.
Key components include early warning systems that should alert communities at least 48 hours before predicted disasters, pre-positioned emergency supplies in vulnerable areas, and coordinated evacuation procedures for high-risk zones. The plan also outlines post-disaster recovery strategies and international aid coordination protocols.
Disaster management specialists emphasize that such plans are only effective when properly implemented, requiring regular training, resource maintenance, and clear authority structures during emergencies.
Government Response and Defense
Government officials have yet to provide detailed responses to the UNP's allegations, though some ministers have defended their emergency response efforts. They point to rescue operations conducted during the floods and relief distribution activities in affected areas.
However, critics argue that these reactive measures, while necessary, do not substitute for proactive disaster plan implementation that could have prevented much of the crisis's severity.
The government's apparent reluctance to address the specific allegation about plan activation has fueled further opposition criticism and public concern about disaster preparedness capabilities.
Implications for Future Disaster Preparedness
The controversy surrounding Cyclone Ditwah's management has broader implications for Sri Lanka's disaster resilience. As climate change increases the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, effective disaster management becomes increasingly critical for the island nation.
Experts warn that failure to learn from this crisis could result in even more devastating outcomes during future disasters. They emphasize the need for comprehensive review of disaster management protocols, regular training programs, and clear accountability mechanisms.
The UNP's allegations have also raised questions about government transparency in disaster management and the need for independent oversight of emergency response capabilities.
Calls for Reform
Beyond immediate accountability measures, opposition parties are calling for comprehensive reforms to Sri Lanka's disaster management system. Proposed changes include mandatory plan activation protocols, regular public drills, improved early warning systems, and enhanced coordination between national and local authorities.
The flood crisis has highlighted the urgent need for these reforms, as Sri Lanka continues to face increasing climate-related challenges that require robust, well-coordinated emergency response capabilities.