Returned cheques, delayed payments and unresolved insurance claims dominated Parliament on Tuesday as National Democratic Front (NDF) MP Ravi Karunanayake asked the government to make statement on compensation and restoration following Cyclone Ditwah.

Raising the matter under Standing Order 27(2), Karunanayake said thousands of citizens, affected by the 28 November, 2025 cyclone, were still waiting for relief, despite a presidential directive that all compensation and restoration work be completed by 31 December, 2025.

Karunanayake told the House that affected communities were reporting “crippling delays, non-payment, returned cheques and unresolved insurance claims,” warning that the situation had left tens of thousands displaced more than a month after the deadline. “These delays raise grave concerns about transparency, administrative capacity and accountability,” he said.

Cyclone Ditwah caused widespread destruction across several districts, claiming lives and damaging homes, infrastructure, agriculture, fisheries and small and medium-sized enterprises. Karunanayake said reports indicated that around 48,000 people were still unable to return to their homes, underscoring the scale of the humanitarian and economic impact.

Full text of Karunayake’s statement: I rise under Standing Order 27(2) for an urgent Government statement on compensation and restoration after Cyclone Ditwah of 28 November 2025, which caused severe loss of life, destruction, and widespread damage. Despite a Presidential directive for completion by 31 December 2025, affected citizens report crippling delays, non-payment, returned cheques, and unresolved insurance claims. Reports suggest tens of thousands remain displaced, raising grave concerns.

For transparency, I seek clarification on:

1. Has the Disaster Management Centre formally approved a consolidated national loss and damage assessment? What is the total estimated loss and approval date?

2. What is the total restoration cost, disaggregated by housing, infrastructure, agriculture, fisheries and SMEs?

3. What is the total affected population? Provide a district-wise breakdown of casualties, displaced families, and destroyed/damaged houses. Is it correct that 48,000 persons cannot return home?

4. What compensation categories, eligibility criteria, and payment rates were approved for households, the deceased, farmers, SMEs, and others and under what authority?

5. As of 31 December 2025 and now, how many payments and total amounts have been disbursed for each band (e.g., Rs. 25,000; Rs. 50,000; Rs.1Mn for deceased; housing bands up to Rs. 10Mn), plus farmer and SME payments, by district?

6. How many eligible beneficiaries remain unpaid, by category and district and what are the principal causes (verification, documentation, banking, funding)?

7. Why have compensation Cheques been returned, how many cases exist and what remedial measures are in place?

8. What steps ensure Insurance Companies settle claims? How many claims and what value remain unpaid?

9. What donor funds (grants, loans, aid) have been received? How much has been spent on compensation vs. infrastructure and when will the International donor conference be held?

I request the Government table its response with annexed district-wise tables on assessments, allocations, disbursements, returned cheques, insurance status and unpaid balances.”

Deputy Defence Minister Major General (retd) Aruna Jayasekara said that the government needs two weeks to respond to the queries raised by MP Karunanayake.

by Saman Indrajith