GOVT. UNDER FIRE FOR FAILURE TO MITIGATE DISASTER DAMAGE

DESPITE PRIOR WARNINGS

- PRAGEETH SAMPATH KARUNATILAKE

The government is under fire for its alleged failure to mitigate and manage the impact of Cyclone Ditwah, despite prior warnings from relevant agencies. By November 25, the Department of Meteorology and Irrigation Department had given prior notice in this regard.

Still, the government has allegedly failed in taking pre-emptive action. The Department of Meteorology is under the Ministry of Defence, whereas Disaster Management Centre falls under the purview of the President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.