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Sri Lanka’s economic recovery narrative was sharply challenged this week by a stark warning from a senior global development financier: prosperity will remain elusive as long as the country continues to look inward.

The comment, made by International Finance Corporation (IFC) South Asia Regional Director Imad Fakhoury, has reignited debate about the direction of governance one year into the current administrationan era critics describe as marked by backward thinking, policy hesitation and an arrogance that masks failure with excuses.

Speaking at the Sri Lanka Economic Summit, Fakhoury argued that Sri Lanka must decisively reposition itself as an outward-looking, export-driven and sustainable investment destination.

His message stands in contrast to the prevailing tone of governance, where ministers frequently cite past administrations, global shocks and institutional constraints to justify slow reform and weak delivery.

“Sri Lanka cannot get rich by looking inward,” Fakhoury implied, pointing to decades of stop-start policies that have repeatedly eroded investor confidence.

While acknowledging Sri Lanka’s impressive social indicators low poverty levels, strong human development outcomes and one of South Asia’s highest per-capita incomes he described the country as trapped in a damaging paradox: notable development gains repeatedly undone by policy inconsistency and recurring economic crises, most recently in 2022.

The IFC’s assessment is uncomfortable for a government that came to power promising competence and renewal. One year on, business leaders complain of an administration overly focused on managing optics rather than confronting structural weaknesses.

 Protectionist instincts, regulatory overreach and delayed decisions have reinforced perceptions of an inward-looking mindset, despite official rhetoric about competitiveness and reform.

Fakhoury stressed that Sri Lanka’s international brand must pivot toward green sustainability, export orientation and openness to global capital.

He highlighted the country’s potential to function as a regional transshipment hub while developing “islands of excellence” in digital services, agribusiness, specialised manufacturing and diversified tourism. However, he was clear that none of this ambition is achievable without policy predictability and continuous improvement in the business environment.

Despite governance concerns, the IFC continues to maintain a significant presence in Sri Lanka, with around $270 million in long-term investments across roughly a dozen companies, alongside advisory work and short-term financing. This commitment reflects confidence in the country’s underlying potential rather than approval of current policymaking.

 

Fakhoury’s message amounts to a direct challenge to Sri Lanka’s leadership: stability alone is not success. Without outward-looking policies, credible reforms and humility in governance, Sri Lanka risks repeating a familiar cycle temporary recovery followed by renewed decline.

Sri Lanka’s microfinance landscape is at a critical inflection point as the clock nears the enactment of the Microfinance and Credit Regulatory Authority Act 2025, a law intended to overhaul a largely unregulated credit sector that has long burdened low-income borrowers and burdened lenders alike.

At present, only a handful of microfinance companies about four are formally regulated under the 2016 framework, leaving tens of thousands of informal lenders and community moneylenders outside recognised oversight.

Microcredit has historically offered a lifeline for poor households, rural entrepreneurs, and women seeking small business capital or emergency cash when banks would not lend. These services aim to support income generation, asset building and financial inclusion.

Still Sri Lanka’s poverty rate nearly 24.5 percent of the population remains high, illustrating the fragile economic conditions underpinning microfinance demand.

Despite good intentions, the current system has fuelled mounting distress. Parliamentary committees are now collecting data on borrowers unable to repay microfinance loans in regions including Nuwara Eliya, Batticaloa, Polonnaruwa and Colombo, signalling growing concern about defaults and financial stress.

Civil society and advocacy groups warn that predatory interest rates sometimes more than 40 percent  and aggressive recovery tactics have pushed households deeper into hardship, especially women who make up a large share of borrowers.

For lenders, the absence of a strong regulatory regime has meant unclear lending standards and inconsistent risk management practices.

This environment impedes institutional robustness and contributes to uneven credit risk across portfolios. Regulators and microfinance practitioners report that the sector’s formal share of total credit is modest,but unregulated lending accounts for a much larger, opaque portion of the market.

The pending 2025 Act aims to establish a dedicated authority to license and supervise both traditional moneylenders and microfinance institutions, enforce consumer protection standards, and introduce transparent interest and collection practices.

Policymakers hope this will curb abusive lending while strengthening formal sector discipline.

Nonetheless, critics caution that enforcement alone will not resolve underlying socioeconomic pressures.

With the economy still recovering from a protracted financial crisis and natural disaster shocks pushing more families particularly in rural and war-affected areas into borrowing, structural vulnerabilities are deeply entrenched. Microfinance’s promise of poverty alleviation hangs in the balance between greater regulation and the real lived hardships of borrowers.

Police announced today that they have requested medical reports for all drivers involved in last night’s accident in Sapugaskanda—including former Speaker and current MP Ashoka Ranwala—to determine whether any of them were under the influence of alcohol at the time of the collision.

The incident occurred when a jeep driven by MP Ranwala reportedly collided head-on with another vehicle. The Sapugaskanda Police have launched a full investigation into the crash.

Police Spokesman ASP F.U. Wootler told the media that two individuals injured in the accident, including Ranwala, are currently being treated at the Colombo National Hospital. A six-month-old infant injured in the collision has been admitted to the Lady Ridgeway Children’s Hospital.

ASP Wootler said medical reports have been formally requested to assess whether alcohol played a role in the crash, and that police will proceed based on the results. He added that officers were unable to record a statement from MP Ranwala yesterday as he remained under medical care. The alcohol test report is expected later this afternoon.

No arrests have been made at this stage, and investigations are continuing.

The Disaster Management Center (DMC) reports that more than 5,700 houses have been completely destroyed due to the severe adverse weather conditions experienced recently across the country. 

According to the latest data released by the DMC, the highest number of houses damaged has been reported from the Kandy District, with 1,568 houses completely destroyed and 14,111 houses partially damaged. 

The Nuwara Eliya District has reported the second-highest number of houses damaged, where 767 houses have been completely destroyed and 3,742 houses partially damaged. 

Meanwhile, 627 houses have been completely destroyed and 20,813 houses partially damaged in the Puttalam District, marking it as the district with the third-highest number of damaged houses.

In addition to these districts, 594 houses in Kurunegala, 578 in Badulla, 317 in Kegalle, 234 in Anuradhapura, and 225 in Polonnaruwa have also been completely destroyed. 

The DMC stated that the highest number of individuals affected by the disaster has been reported from the Colombo District, where 330,443 people belonging to 86,147 families have been impacted. 

Breakdown of the districts affected:

Puttalam District: 287,364 individuals from 80,375 families
Kandy District: 171,127 individuals from 54,716 families
Trincomalee District: 90,140 individuals from 27,234 families
Kurunegala District: 88,899 individuals from 26,474 families
Mannar District: 77,694 individuals from 23,704 families
Kegalle District: 83,482 individuals from 23,324 families
Anuradhapura District: 74,084 individuals from 22,562 families
Badulla District: 73,547 individuals from 22,257 families
Ratnapura District: 74,277 individuals from 19,092 families

The DMC also reports that the death toll resulting from the prevailing disaster has risen to 640. 

The highest number of deaths due to the recent adverse weather has been reported from the Kandy District, which has recorded 234 fatalities. 

The second highest number of deaths has been reported from the Badulla District, which is 90, the DMC has stated in its latest report issued this afternoon (12).

This is followed by 89 deaths in Nuwara Eliya, 61 in Kurunegala, 36 in Puttalam, 32 in Kegalle, and 29 in Matale District. 

According to the report, 82,813 people belonging to 26,103 families are currently staying in 847 displacement camps across the island. 

The largest number of safety shelters have been established in the Kandy District, where 27,227 people belonging to 7,952 families are staying in 279 camps. 

The Nuwara Eliya District records the second-largest number of camps, with 20,825 individuals from 6,652 families staying in 211 safe locations.

The report further states that 147 safe locations have been set up in the Badulla District, accommodating 17,444 individuals from 5,856 families, while 104 safe locations established in the Kegalle District are housing 8,658 individuals from 2,980 families. 

(Source - Adaderana.lk)

As of 2025, Sri Lanka records the highest average IQ in South Asia, with a national score of 102—placing the country among the top 12 worldwide, according to data from the International IQ Test (IIT).

The findings are based on results from 1,352,763 individuals across the globe who completed the same standardized IQ assessment on the IIT platform. The study also draws on extensive research on national intelligence levels conducted by psychologist Richard Lynn and his collaborator Tatu Vanhanen. IQ outcomes often reflect factors such as education quality, healthcare access, and environmental conditions in each region.

Sri Lanka’s average IQ score surpasses the global mean of 100. A total of 2,840 Sri Lankan participants took part in the assessment. China ranks first globally with an average IQ of 107.

Multiple elements contribute to a nation’s average IQ. Health factors—including infectious diseases—play a role, as do nutrition and intellectual engagement. A 2024 study found that children with healthier diets tend to score higher on IQ tests. Other research shows that regular participation in mentally stimulating activities, such as chess (2022 study), can improve cognitive performance. A classic 1962 study also reported that bilingual children outperform monolingual children on intelligence tests. Genetics is another major factor; a 2013 study of twins suggested that between 50% and 80% of IQ variation can be attributed to genetic influences.

According to IIT, “Countries with strong healthcare systems, healthy dietary practices, and a culture that encourages intellectual development tend to show higher average IQ scores.”

https://international-iq-test.com/en/test/IQ_by_country

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 became the central headline of The Game Awards 2025 after sweeping nine awards across major categories, including the top honour, Game of the Year. 

Developed by the French studio Sandfall Interactive, the role-playing title broke the event’s all-time record, surpassing the previous benchmark of seven wins. Released in April 2025, the dark fantasy RPG had already attracted critical attention, but its awards performance pushed it into an entirely new sphere of visibility. 

The scale of its sweep quickly dominated online discussions, with scenes, characters, and music from the game trending across platforms throughout the night.

Awards across categories

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33’s nine awards covered narrative, artistic direction, performance, and genre excellence. The full list includes:

Game of the Year
Best Game Direction
Best Narrative
Best Art Direction
Best Score & Music
Best Performance (Jennifer English)
Best Role-Playing Game
Best Independent Game
Best Debut Indie Game

The mix of awards reflects the game’s broad impact, spanning both creative and technical categories, and highlights how a debut studio managed to compete on equal terms with established global developers.

A breakout moment for a debut studio

The reaction within the industry centred on the significance of Sandfall Interactive’s emergence. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is the studio’s first major release, and yet it moved fluidly across categories typically dominated by larger teams. Winning both Best Independent Game and Best Debut Indie Game while simultaneously taking home Game of the Year underscored how the traditional boundaries between indie and mainstream development continue to shift.

Its world-building, layered narrative structure, and visual identity were key points of discussion among critics. Jennifer English’s performance, which earned her the Best Performance award, became another focal point online as clips and scenes resurfaced after the ceremony. The soundtrack and art direction also generated renewed attention, reinforcing why the game had swept so many of the evening’s creative categories

(Source - Money Control)

The Department of the Registrar General has decided to issue death certificates for 193 individuals who went missing due to landslides and floods triggered by Cyclone Ditwa.

According to a special gazette notification issued by the government on December 2, if a person goes missing during an emergency disaster situation and no information is received for two weeks, a death certificate may be issued. The Registrar General’s Department noted that this provision will now be applied to expedite compensation payments for the affected families.

As of now, 203 people remain unaccounted for due to the disaster. The department says all necessary legal procedures are already in place, and if a Grama Niladhari confirms that a person from the area is missing because of the disaster, the District Deputy Registrar is authorized to issue the death certificate.

If no objections are raised regarding the missing person, the application will be approved by the Deputy or Assistant Registrar General empowered by the Registrar General, following the recommendation of the Divisional Secretary.

Meanwhile, a special mobile service will be held tomorrow (13) and the day after (14) in the Central Province to issue death certificates, including those for missing persons, as well as to provide other civil registration services.

Central Province Deputy Registrar General Tharanga Subashini stated that all services at these mobile units will be provided free of charge. Copies of lost marriage, birth, and death certificates will also be issued on-site.

The mobile service locations are as follows:

December 13
Venue: Udahenthenna, No. 1 Tamil Maha Vidyalaya, Paragala Janapadaya
Time: From 9:00 a.m.
More Information: 081-2224470

December 14
Venue: Divisional Secretariat – Doluwa
Time: From 9:00 a.m.
More Information: 081-2224470

• Focus on strengths and small tasks: Activities such as cleaning, sorting documents, checking on relatives, and helping neighbours can restore a sense of control.
• Stay connected, especially with vulnerable groups: Check on pregnant mothers, young children, the elderly, people with disabilities, and anyone with long-term illnesses or mental health conditions.
• Reassure children: Keep routines as normal as possible and explain the situation in simple terms.
• Use spiritual and cultural practices safely: Prayers, meditation, and community rituals can offer comfort.
• Continue regular medications: Seek help from the nearest medical officer if needed.
• Limit distressing news: Follow only official updates to avoid unnecessary fear.
• Avoid rumours: Do not share unverified information or distressing images.
• Avoid alcohol and drugs: These worsen problems and should not be used for coping.
• Do not exploit the situation: The College reminded the public to act responsibly.

Mental Health and Resilience: How Sri Lankans Can Rebuild After Cyclone Ditwah Cyclone Ditwah has recently swept across Sri Lanka, leaving many families without homes, livelihoods, and the sense of security we often take for granted. Across the island, the Government, armed forces, disaster-response teams, international agencies, and countless volunteers have worked tirelessly to restore electricity, clear roads, provide shelter, and distribute essential supplies. Their dedication is helping communities rebuild the physical structures damaged by the disaster.

Yet recovery is not only about repairing buildings and roads. Disasters also affect our emotions, thoughts, and overall well-being, and caring for these inner experiences is just as essential.

This article aims to guide readers on how to nurture their mental health and strengthen inner resilience after a disaster. We will explore common emotional and physical reactions people may experience, practical ways to cope with them, and how individuals and communities can support one another. We will also introduce the concept of resilience- the inner strength that helps us recover and adapt and provide simple strategies to cultivate it in everyday life. By understanding these aspects, Sri Lankans can heal not only their homes and surroundings but also their minds and hearts. What People Often Feel After a Disaster? — Normal Reactions to a Crisis According to WHO (2011), almost everyone affected by emergencies such as natural disasters experiences psychological distress in the days and weeks that follow.

Here are some of the common reactions - emotional, cognitive, physical, and behavioral -that people may go through after a cyclone, flood, landslides or similar disaster. Understanding them helps us recognize that these feelings are normal, not a sign of weakness.

Emotional and Internal Responses

• Fear and anxiety, especially when reminded of the disaster.

• Sadness, grief or a heavy sense of loss - particularly when people have lost homes, property, or loved ones.

• Irritability, anger or frustration -sometimes emerging even without an obvious trigger.

• Emotional numbness, emptiness or hopelessness - especially when overwhelmed by the scale of loss.

Cognitive Changes

• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions - a temporary confusion or inability to focus that affects daily life.

• Recurring memories, thoughts or nightmares about the disaster - involuntary mental replay of frightening events.

Physical and Behavioral Reactions

• Sleep disturbances - trouble falling asleep, waking often, nightmares, or oversleeping.

• Loss of appetite or other somatic complaints (headaches, stomach problems, general fatigue) - stress often manifests in the body.

• Withdrawal, reduced interest in daily activities, or emotional distancing - people may lose motivation and avoid social contact.

When Reactions Go Beyond the Short-Term: Persistent or Long-Term Distress For many, these reactions gradually ease over time as life stabilizes.

However, especially for those who experienced strong trauma (loss of loved ones, severe destruction, repeated exposure, or ongoing hardships) some may develop more lasting conditions such as:

• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) - characterized by intrusive memories, avoidance of reminders, heightened arousal or hypervigilance.

• Prolonged depression or persistent anxiety - interfering with everyday functioning, work, relationships, sleep or appetite.

• Complicated grief - when feelings of loss don’t fade and start disrupting daily life and emotional well-being.

These are not “rare exceptions” - global disaster‑mental‑health research shows that a significant portion of people may go through such follow-up struggles Disasters shake not only our environment but also our emotional world. Understanding the normal reactions to crisis and knowing how to cope can help us heal faster as individuals, families, and communities.

Why It’s Important to Understand These Reactions Now?

By recognizing these reactions as common, understandable, and expected, individuals and communities can:

• Avoid self‑stigma (“Why am I feeling this way - is there something wrong with me?”)

• Respond with compassion and patience - for themselves and others

• Identify when someone may need more support (if reactions persist for weeks or worsen)

Our goal in this article is to reassure people that these feelings are part of the healing process and to offer ways to manage them, strengthen inner resilience, and support one another safely.

Practical Strategies to Cope and Heal After a Disaster Recovering from a disaster is not only about rebuilding homes and roads, it is also about healing our minds and hearts. While emotional reactions are natural, there are effective strategies that individuals and communities can use to manage stress and strengthen resilience.

   1.Personal Strategies: Caring for Your Own Mental Health

• Even small, daily actions can make a big difference

• Acknowledge your feelings: It is normal to feel fear, sadness, or anger. Naming your emotions reduces their intensity.

• Maintain routines: Regular meals, sleep, exercise, and family time restore a sense of stability.

• Connect with trusted people: Talking with friends, family, or community members helps process emotions and reduces isolation.

• Limit exposure to distressing news: While staying informed is important, too much news or social media can heighten anxiety.

• Practice calming techniques: Deep breathing, gentle walking, meditation, prayer, or cultural rituals can help soothe stress.

• Set small, achievable goals: Even minor tasks like cleaning a room, cooking a meal, or helping a neighbor can restore a sense of control.

• Help others if you can: Even when you are affected, offering small acts of support—like assisting a neighbor or sharing resources-can bring a sense of purpose and inner peace.

• Seek professional help if needed: Persistent sadness, anxiety, nightmares, or physical symptoms may require support from a counsellor, psychologist, or mental health professional.

  2.Social Strategies: Supporting Each Other

Disasters affect entire communities, and recovery is faster when people come together. Simple acts of support can make a lasting difference:

• Offer emotional support carefully: Listen patiently and reassure others that their reactions are normal. Do not pressure anyone to talk about their experiences, they should only share if they are willing.

• Share accurate information: Help people access reliable news, resources, and services.

• Provide practical help: Assisting with meals, temporary shelter, or transportation eases stress and strengthens community bonds.

• Encourage participation: Involve community members in rebuilding efforts, cultural activities, or religious gatherings to foster a sense of belonging and purpose.

Psychological First Aid (PFA): Simple Steps Anyone Can Take Psychological First Aid (PFA) is a practical approach that can be used by anyone in a position to support people during or after a crisis-not only mental health professional. Relief workers, volunteers, health staff, teachers, community leaders, and even local officials can apply its basic principles. You do not need specialized training in psychology to provide PFA; the essential skills can be learned easily and integrated into everyday helping roles during emergencies.

Basic characteristics of PFA:

• An easy, practical approach recommended by WHO to help people in the immediate aftermath of a disaster:

• Ensure safety: Help people feel physically and emotionally secure.

• Offer comfort: Provide reassurance and a calm presence.

• Connect to support: Help individuals reach family, friends, or community resources.

• Provide information: Share reliable updates and resources.

• Foster hope: Remind them that emotional reactions are normal and recovery is possible.

Important: Do not pressure people to recount traumatic experiences. Only allow them to share their story if they are willing, and avoid insisting they “talk about it” as part of their healing.

Building Resilience: The Secret of Inner Strength Stress and difficult situations are a natural part of life, yet many people are able to maintain their mental well-being despite these challenges. What makes them different? It’s not only major life events such as serious accidents, violence, or the loss of a loved one that can affect our mental health. Even smaller stressors, if they occur repeatedly or over a long period, can take a significant toll. People who are resilient, however, seem to have strategies that help them cope and stay mentally strong, even in tough circumstances. Neuroscience research provides insight into these strategies. A study led by Professor Raffael Kalisch at Mainz University, one of Europe’s leading centers for resilience research, found that a key factor is how people perceive stress. Those who view stress with a sense of optimism and believe they can manage challenges are more likely to recover and adapt. Developing this positive outlook, believing that situations will likely improve and that one can handle difficulties can reduce vulnerability to stress. In essence, resilience is the capacity to adapt, recover, and emerge stronger after adversity. It doesn’t mean never feeling fear, sadness, or anxiety; rather, it is the ability to bounce back and find hope, even in the most challenging times.

Ways to Strengthen Resilience

• Stay connected with family, friends, and your community. Social support provides emotional stability and a sense of belonging.

• Practice gratitude for small blessings in everyday life.

• Engage in cultural or spiritual practices that give meaning and comfort.

• Help others, even in small ways, which strengthens your own sense of purpose and inner peace.

• Learn from challenges rather than seeing them as purely negative. Reflecting on what each difficulty teaches us can increase confidence and coping skills.

A Message of Hope Cyclone Ditwah has reminded us of both our vulnerability and our strength. Recovery is not only about rebuilding homes and infrastructure, it is also about restoring balance in our lives and communities. This disaster carries an important lesson about our relationship with nature. Living in harmony with the environment-protecting forests, rivers, and coastlines, and making thoughtful choices in construction and development-can help reduce the impact of future disasters. By learning from this experience, we have the opportunity to emerge stronger, wiser, and more mindful of the world around us. Let us rebuild our villages, communities, and lives in ways that honor both human resilience and the natural environment that sustains us. 

Darshika Thejani Bulathwatta

Psychologist and researcher

The Sri Lanka Association of Meteorologists has defended the Department of Meteorology, stating that officials followed all required Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) when issuing alerts ahead of Cyclone Ditwah. According to the Association, the warnings enabled fishing and naval communities to prepare early and avoid loss of life.

The clarification comes in response to public criticism alleging that the Met Department failed to issue timely warnings about the cyclone.

The Association noted that Cyclone Ditwah formed and intensified at an unusually rapid pace—transitioning from a low-pressure system into a storm in just 12 hours. Such rapid intensification, they said, has become more common due to global warming and sudden shifts in atmospheric patterns.

They also acknowledged the limitations of Sri Lanka’s existing early-warning system and stressed the urgent need for upgrades to ensure more precise forecasts during extreme weather events. Work to strengthen these systems is already underway, they added.

Meteorologists first identified early signs of atmospheric instability related to Ditwah on November 23. This information, the Association said, was immediately communicated to fishing and naval communities, along with a public advisory about the likelihood of a developing low-pressure area around November 25.

On November 24, while the system was still distant in the central Bay of Bengal, updated marine warnings—including an Amber alert—were issued based on new observations. The evolving situation was shared with both the public and key stakeholders.

The Association also rejected claims circulating online that the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) had forecast the cyclone as early as November 13. It called these claims inaccurate, noting that no forecasting system in the world can reliably predict cyclone formation weeks in advance.

According to the Association, the IMD—Sri Lanka’s designated Regional Specialized Meteorological Centre—officially reported the system’s initial development only in its bulletin issued at 2.30 p.m. on November 23, 2025.

It's about two weeks, since Cyclone "Ditwah" almost flattened Sri Lanka, from end to end. President Anura Kumara Disanayake who complained lack of proper data for planning reconstruction work in post cyclone "Ditwah", was going from district to district with cameras meeting the bureaucracy, capturing him discussing damages. He went on record saying, there were people who said Sri Lanka would take years to get back on its feet, but his government has already laid the ground for normalcy.

Day before (December 09), the Education Ministry announced all Montessories and Pre-schools would begin from Tuesday 16 December. Obviously a crude attempt to tell the people, the government is far more efficient than what the Opposition is saying. Meeting with Principals of "national" schools and with provincial educational administrators, Secretary Ministry of Education announced on 09 December, out of over 10,096 schools, all schools in Western (1,344), South (1,101), Sabaragamuwa (1,101), East (1,124) and North-Central (1,243) provinces will begin on Tuesday 16 December. That would be roughly 50 percent of the schools. He had also said, 26 schools in Uva, 06 in North-West and 115 in Central province would remain closed. What that means, is not quite clear, as these provinces are not listed as provinces that would open schools from 16 December.

What's funny here is, these schools that is to re-open on 16 December, would close for the term on 23 December. Just 06 days of tidying and cleaning-up the school, not teaching. Thereafter, all 10,000 plus schools will begin the first term on 01 January 2026. What purpose would it serve to have half the schools open for just 06 days and not for teaching?   

Meanwhile warnings on turbulent weather keep coming. To date (11 December) highest number of affected people were reported on 30 November evening, 03rd day since Cyclone "Ditwah" moved into Sri Lanka on 27 November. On 30 November, the highest number of affected families was 5,524 from Badulla district, while Colombo was next with 5,303 families. Highest number of safety centres were also in Badulla with 180 and Kandy district next with 176 safety centres.

It was not only deaths, that shocked the whole society. It was "affected" numbers with debris all round. Families whose houses were simply flattened to the ground. Families that were thrown out from their houses. Those who lost their entire life's savings and investments. Those who lost their means of livelihood. And the elderly and the children who are cyclone-shocked and need professional counselling. Whose numbers are yet not known. It's that "human tragedy" this society would be compelled to shoulder.

Again on 01 December, there were a total of 57,790 affected families, an increase of over 2,000 affected families from previous day, though with a reduced number of safety centres totalling 1,368. Affected number of families in Puttlam had increased by over a 1,000 to 4,104, Badulla had increased to 6,685 with over a 100 more and Kegalle increased from 3,225 on 30 November to 4,647 on 01 December.

From December 06 to 09th, fluctuation of numbers show a significant decrease with Cyclone Ditwah moving out of the country. The physical and human tragedy had not come to an end though. Every day, there were reports of landslides; small, large and massive. To this continuing devastation, we were told our North-East monsoon was setting in and would have high rainfall on already devastated areas. As said, there were increased rain in North-East of the Central hills, with reports of more landslides. DMC numbers on 10 December, thus show an increase of 6,441 affected families and 21,705 individuals over numbers of the previous day.

Once again there were "Red notices" issued on "possible landslides" in Matale, Kandy, Kurunegala and Kegalle, with a total of over 45 threatened areas earmarked as these districts have had over 150 mm of uninterrupted rain during the past 24 hours. There were also Level-2 "Amber" warnings for nearly 40 other areas in Kuruegala, Kegalle and in Badulla districts.

What then was the urgency to reopen half the number of schools for just 05 days? The AKD presidency and the JVP/NPP government are being increasingly condemned for amateurish work and lack of "common sense" planning. AKD presenting the 2026 Budget wanted to prove they are more efficient than what any previous government was by saying, they have disproved all who claimed it would take a decade to get back to pre-economic bankruptcy, by achieving near normalcy in just 01 year. Here too, his claim that the government has already laid the ground for normalcy though people said it would take years to get back on its feet, is to be proved by reopening schools. It is a fact, people do feel "normal" when schools are open and see children going to school. It is that social psyche he is attempting to create, sadly in a society that still struggles to get out of the debris they are caught in.

It would have therefore been more decent, acceptable and promising had he said, he would have both the Colombo-Badulla rail track and the Colombo-Kandy A-1 road done for normal traffic before year end, a six-month living allowance of Rs.50,000 per mensem for those who are displaced and have lost their livelihood and also free counselling for the needy. Main road and rail road repairs he knows is not possible for many months to come. Though incoming foreign assistance is heavily hyped, the government seems scared to talk of a living allowance of Rs. 50,000 per mensem with massive infrastructure repairs at hand and yet with no estimates done. Cyclone Ditwah I believe, left Sri Lanka with a screaming and weeping human tragedy never heard of before on this land and with proof, the government is no match to the challenge it left.        

Kusal Perera

(Source - https://kusalperera.blogspot.com/)