Opposition and SJB Leader Sajith Premadasa on Friday stressed that relief efforts for communities affected by Cyclone Ditwah must not be derailed by internal disputes, as several trade unions announced plans to withdraw from disaster relief duties.

Taking to ‘X’, Premadasa called on the Government to prioritise coordination and ensure uninterrupted assistance to families still awaiting aid.

“The Government must work closely with officers on the ground to ensure coordination and uninterrupted support. When families are still waiting, how can we allow for this confusion?” he questioned, emphasising that relief measures should not be delayed under any circumstances.

His remarks follow the decision by several trade unions representing Government officers engaged in disaster relief operations to launch trade union action beginning from Friday (27 February).

The unions announced their withdrawal from relief-related duties, citing unresolved issues affecting officers involved in post-disaster operations.

According to the unions, more than 93 days have elapsed since the widespread destruction caused by Cyclone Ditwah. During this period, disaster relief officers and Grama Niladharis have worked continuously, day and night, acting as key coordinators between the Government and affected communities. However, they claim that authorities have failed to adequately address longstanding concerns relating to officers engaged in relief work.

Meanwhile, Secretary to the President Nandika Sanath Kumanayake yesterday underscored the need to expedite relief and recovery initiatives.

Chairing a progress review meeting of the National Council for Disaster Management, he called for strengthened coordination among State institutions responsible for disaster response, noting that effective inter-agency collaboration is critical to delivering timely assistance to affected communities.

Efforts to accelerate recovery and maintain continuity in relief operations are ongoing.