Deputy Minister of Transport Dr. Prasanna Gunasena said he personally witnessed the immense sacrifices made by government officials during the disaster caused by Cyclone Ditwah. He stated that the crisis was brought under control in such a short time only because officials worked continuously for several days without worrying about their own children or families, often without sleep for three or four days, in coordination with all state institutions.
“There was a dark image about the state mechanism in Sri Lanka. However, I personally experienced how effectively it worked with us during this disaster. The Kandy District Secretary slept for only two hours after working for 48 hours. The Additional District Secretaries were the same. There was no difference between men and women. I do not know whether they had children or families. For three or four days, they stayed in one place, working 24 hours a day, and carried out responsibilities far beyond their official duties,” the Deputy Minister said.
Speaking in Parliament today, Dr. Gunasena said the crisis was managed due to correct political leadership. He noted that the houses of several Members of Parliament were damaged, yet they did not stop to attend to their own families and instead continued relief work day and night.
He said Pradeshiya Sabha members, party organizers, and many grassroots activists also worked tirelessly. While some of their own children and families were in relief camps, many continued to serve and hand over responsibilities to the government.
Dr. Gunasena added that it was this political commitment and ability to endure hardship that enabled the leadership to face the disaster successfully. He said their political movement had faced many challenges, rejections, and ideological opposition in the past, but had survived with dedication and a strong belief in eventual victory.
“We are a movement that won even when the world said we could not. That strength and motivation brought the state machinery together with us. That is why the state mechanism was activated like never before. That is why foreign aid is coming in, and why citizens across Sri Lanka are coming forward to help,” he said.
He further stated that Divisional Secretaries, Grama Niladhari officers, Development Officers, and many other public servants went beyond the limits of their duties to fulfill their responsibilities during the disaster. As a result, they have now placed their trust in the present political leadership.
Dr. Gunasena said that although there were many disagreements over the past year, both the state officials and the public have come to understand the leadership better. He emphasized that with the dedication of the people and the full support of the state machinery, the country can be rebuilt through a strong, integrated system
