Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa yesterday urged the government to activate essential services through disaster management committees to address the worsening disaster situation across the country.
Speaking in Parliament, Premadasa warned that salinity intrusion in the Matara District has already caused severe damage to farmland and claimed three lives. “Large tracts of cultivable land are under threat due to the high salinity issue, and urgent intervention is needed,” he said.
He noted that while organisations such as the JVP’s Red Star Force had previously played a role in relief efforts, the government must now lead a coordinated and effective national response.
“The Opposition stands ready to support all measures to protect the people,” Premadasa said, calling on the government to table a comprehensive disaster response plan in Parliament without delay.