Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Member of Parliament Nalin Bandara has suggested that Sri Lanka’s ongoing crises, particularly the severe flooding, could be attributed to the omission of the traditional Jayamangala Gatha recitation at the start of the new parliamentary session. Speaking at a press briefing today, Bandara linked the lack of this customary blessing to the series of challenges the country is facing.
Bandara pointed out that nearly 380,000 acres of farmland have been submerged by recent floods, causing extensive damage to the livelihoods of farmers. While the government has allocated Rs. 1 billion as compensation, Bandara criticized the amount as grossly inadequate, noting that it equates to only around Rs. 2,600 per acre. He argued that this amount falls far short of what is needed to rehabilitate the land and repair critical infrastructure, such as tanks and dams.
He emphasized that the cost of restoring paddy fields alone will require significantly more funds. The government should allocate at least Rs. 20 billion to cover the damages, he suggested. He also criticized the government’s plan to provide Rs. 40,000 per acre for damaged paddy fields, describing it as unrealistic. Even the leaders of the Vannila tribal community have expressed that this amount is insufficient to begin sowing new crops.
Bandara called on Deputy Minister of Agriculture Namal Karunaratne to visit the flood-affected areas and assess the situation firsthand. He expressed disappointment that Karunaratne, who once stood alongside farmers in protests, is now failing to advocate for them in their time of need.
The MP also took aim at the government’s disaster management efforts, highlighting the minimal involvement of senior political leaders. In contrast to previous administrations, where the President, Prime Minister, and ministers actively led relief efforts, this time the crisis has been managed almost entirely by government officials. Bandara questioned the government’s capacity to handle future crises if it cannot effectively manage disaster relief now.
He urged the government to conduct thorough assessments of the flood damage and adjust the compensation to reflect the actual needs of affected farmers and communities. Immediate attention must also be given to repairing damaged infrastructure and providing relief to those displaced by the floods.
Bandara concluded by underscoring the importance of respecting traditional practices alongside effective governance. He suggested that the omission of the Jayamangala Gatha may symbolize a broader neglect of responsibility, adding, “Neglecting our traditions and duties could be why the country appears to be cursed.”
