The Opposition on Tuesday (21) moved a motion in Parliament seeking the appointment of a Select Committee to conduct a comprehensive study into the lack of preparedness to face Cyclone Ditwah and to submit its findings, proposals, and recommendations to Parliament.
The motion, proposed by a group of Opposition Members of Parliament, was presented during the morning session by Chief Opposition Whip Gayantha Karunathilleka.
According to the motion, the loss of lives, damage to property, and the hardships suffered by the public due to Cyclone Ditwah—described as the worst tragedy in Sri Lanka’s history—have yet to be fully assessed. In this context, the proposed Select Committee will be mandated to carry out an in-depth examination of the level of preparedness and the events surrounding the disaster.
The Chairperson and members of the Select Committee will be appointed by the Speaker. In terms of Standing Order 101 of Parliament, the committee shall consist of no more than 12 members.
The committee will also be empowered to determine its quorum and to summon any individual to appear before it. It may require the production of documents and records, receive both written and oral evidence, and conduct inquiries as deemed necessary.
The motion further states that the Select Committee should present its report to Parliament within three months of its first meeting, or within such other period as Parliament may determine.
