Cyclone Ditwah: Testing NPP Govt.’s competence and public confidence

THOUGH the rain gives way to clear skies, it is abundantly clear that Cyclone Ditwah has left immense tragedy and destruction in its wake. Hundreds of lives have been lost, with many more missing. The true extent of the damage to property, infrastructure and livelihoods remains yet uncalculated. Entire communities have been displaced. The scale of the tragedy demands empathy and collective action, as well as urgent and coordinated Governmental response.

- By Nevanka de Silva Jayatilleke

A grieving family in the Central Province impacted by the Cyclone Ditwah.

(Pic by Shehan Gunasekera)

It is deplorable that such suffering will inevitably become material for political debate. Yet it is the unfortunate reality of Sri Lankan politics. Disasters rarely remain outside the political arena, and they often become turning points in how Governments are judged. Regardless, the Government must prepare for the uncomfortable questions it will undoubtedly face to serve accountability for any shortcomings on its part. The shock and grief of the past few days will soon harden into scrutiny and anger, as it already has. That scrutiny will fall squarely on the NPP Government.

The current Government entered office with a mandate centered on delivery, professionalism and the restoration of public faith in institutions. Much of its political identity is defined in contrast to its predecessors, who were often accused of inefficiency, politicisation and poor planning.

This self-image has been reinforced through frequent references to data driven policy, reform oriented governance and a new administrative culture. Public support has been shaped by this narrative as well as by a perceived break from old political habits.

Yet one of the earliest criticisms to surface has been whether the Government recognised the severity of the approaching system in time. While no administration can prevent a cyclone, the public expects planning, anticipatory measures and rapid mobilisation.

The Government appears to have delayed acting on early warnings. The Meteorology Department had signaled trouble weeks ahead, even on national television. This delay has created a narrative of preventable losses. For a movement that made competence and technocratic readiness its identity, this strikes at the core of the NPP's political brand and the public trust it has sought to cultivate.