Sri Lanka's Opposition Walks Out: Protests Over Cyclone Disaster Handling

Sri Lanka's main opposition party, the SJB, protested in Parliament against the government's handling of Cyclone Ditwah, which left over 300 dead. They criticized the lack of preparedness, despite warnings. The government allowed the opposition to express their views until 12.30 pm. Meanwhile, India stepped up rescue efforts.

Sri Lanka's main opposition party, the SJB, staged a walkout in Parliament on Monday, expressing discontent over the government's inadequate response to Cyclone Ditwah, which claimed over 300 lives. Kabir Hashim of the SJB criticized the government led by Anura Kumara Dissanayake for not being prepared despite prior weather warnings.

While the National People's Power government allowed opposition expressions until 12.30 pm, citing disaster relief coordination efforts, Bimal Rathnayaka assured the government was receptive to critiques and suggestions for crisis management. The cyclone's aftermath left a death toll of 340, over 370 missing, and affected more than 1 million people from 300,000 families.

The River Kelani's dangerous levels have heavily impacted suburbs north of Colombo, submerging them. Meanwhile, India's INS Sukanya delivered relief supplies, and its Operation Sagar Bandhu successfully evacuated 104 Indian nationals stranded at Colombo's Bandaranaike International Airport back to India.

(With inputs from agencies.)