Deputy Minister Nalin Hewage has declared that the devastating floods crippling Sri Lanka are not acts of nature but direct results of reckless decisions by previous governments. He accused former administrations of allowing unauthorized constructions under political favoritism, which has blocked natural waterways and caused widespread waterlogging.
Speaking after a special discussion chaired by the President with district liaison committee heads in Colombo, Hewage said these disasters were “brought to the country” by shortsighted planning and negligence. He stressed that the floods were avoidable had there been proper regulation and urban planning. The Deputy Minister further vowed that the current administration would not permit such unauthorized constructions in the future, promising stricter oversight and accountability.
According to Hewage, it is not enough to blame the weather. The responsibility now lies in fixing structural mistakes and ensuring such hazards do not repeat. He said that while the government has mobilized resources to manage the current disaster, citizens should understand the link between bad governance and today’s suffering. The minister emphasized that rebuilding efforts would go hand in hand with new rules to curb illegal development, especially in flood-prone areas, and that lessons must be learned to protect future generations.
By holding previous administrations accountable, Hewage sought to draw a clear distinction between natural calamities and avoidable man-made crises. He pointed out that Sri Lanka must now adapt not only to climate challenges but also undo the damages caused by corruption, favoritism, and political neglect. For the people enduring these floods, this acknowledgement serves as both an explanation and a warning — disasters will persist unless governance changes for good.
