The Select Committee of Parliament appointed to conduct a comprehensive study on the lack of preparedness to face Cyclone Ditwah and report to Parliament, along with proposals and recommendations in that regard, has decided to summon representatives of Pradeshiya Sabhas and Municipal Councils before the Committee to examine how local authorities coordinated their response during the disaster.

Committee members particularly highlighted the need for further investigation into how local authorities, including Pradeshiya Sabhas and Municipal Councils, were involved in official communication and coordination processes during the disaster, the Department of Communication of Parliament stated.

At a recent meeting of the Committee held in Parliament under the chairmanship of Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, information was sought from members of the National Council for Disaster Management and the District Secretaries of Kandy and Matale regarding the disaster management process in the Kandy and Matale districts.

Accordingly, the Committee focused its attention on early warning systems, communication among government institutions, and emergency response procedures in response to the heavy rainfall, landslides, and flooding experienced in these areas from November 23 to 27, 2025.

The Committee also discussed the need to establish formal written procedures to be followed during emergency disaster situations, conduct regular disaster preparedness drills, and further improve the efficiency of early warning systems, it added.

Committee members, including Deputy Ministers Major General (Retd.) Aruna Jayasekara and Anton Jayakody, and Members of Parliament Attorney-at-Law Anuradha Jayaratne, Rohini Kumari Wijerathne, Kanthasamy Prabu, Ruwan Mapalagama, and Dr. Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam, also participated in the meeting.