United National Party (UNP) Deputy Leader Harin Fernando has issued a stark warning, predicting that Sri Lanka will face a severe economic crisis by the Sinhala New Year (April 2026) due to the new government’s inefficiency in managing the aftermath of the ‘Dithwa’ cyclone disaster.
Mr. Fernando claims that the government, led by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, is endangering the country through a lack of transparency and a proper plan for national disaster management.
Economic Blow and “Arrogance”
The opposition alleges that even 18 days after the disaster, the government has failed to provide accurate information on the extent of the damage. Quoting former President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s previous warnings, Harin Fernando stressed that if the government lacks a correct plan, program, or economic projection for post-disaster recovery, the country is heading towards a massive economic catastrophe by April.
Criticism is also mounting that the President’s appearance before Parliament resembled a “Santa Claus,” attempting to conceal deeper issues by presenting minor details. Furthermore, the government is being criticized for its “arrogance,” choosing not to seek assistance from experienced officials who have handled such crises or from the opposition, a move deemed detrimental to the country’s future.
Human Rights Concerns and IMF Shackles
The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) has expressed grave concerns over the emergency regulations introduced following the ‘Dithwa’ cyclone. Journalists and civil society groups fear these broad laws could be used to act against critics of the President or the government.
Amidst the disaster, activists, including Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, have urged the government to immediately revise the International Monetary Fund (IMF) program. They argue that the program’s stringent financial discipline is hindering efforts to provide relief to the affected population.
The opposition’s final demand is for Parliament to be immediately convened to debate the disaster and disclose the information that has allegedly been concealed from the public for the past 18 days.
