By Asoka S. Seneviratne –

Prof. Asoka.S. Seneviratne

“In the midst of chaos, there is also opportunity.” — Sun Tzu

Sri Lanka is facing one of the most unprecedented disasters in its history. Cyclone Ditwah has left a trail of destruction so extensive that it has shaken the very foundations of the nation. Lives have been lost, homes destroyed, livelihoods wiped out, and essential infrastructure reduced to rubble. Administrative systems, already fragile from years of inefficiency, corruption, and political instability, have been almost entirely uprooted. Parents mourn their children, families have been displaced, farmers have lost their crops and herds, and the majority of businesses—especially small and medium enterprises that form the backbone of the economy—have collapsed.

When compared to past national crises—the 2004 Tsunami, the 2009 war, the 2016 floods, and the 2020 Coronavirus pandemic—Ditwah stands apart in its scale, depth, and human impact. The devastation is such that it is not the floodwaters alone that dominate the landscape; the country is awash in tears, despair, and uncertainty. Every corner of Sri Lanka bears the marks of this catastrophe, making it clear that the nation faces a challenge of historic proportions.

In times like these, the true measure of leadership is revealed. The real question is not merely the magnitude of the disaster, but how those in positions of power respond when their people are at their most vulnerable. It is in this context that the response of the Government of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake (AKD) must be examined.

What the AKD Government Is Doing

Disasters arrive unannounced, indifferent to politics, social status, or geography. They shatter lives, destroy homes, and leave communities vulnerable for years. Yet, the test of leadership is not in avoiding disaster—it is in how a government mobilizes to protect its citizens and restore hope. From the very first hour of Cyclone Ditwah, the AKD government demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the people and the country.

Rescue operations were launched immediately, with military, police, health workers, and trained volunteers deployed to the hardest-hit areas. Emergency shelters were opened, and essential relief supplies—food, water, medicines, and temporary housing—were distributed without delay. Field hospitals were set up to cater to the injured and vulnerable, while rapid-response teams worked tirelessly to reopen critical transport routes.

Remarkably, all of this was achieved within the strict economic confines of the IMF framework and amidst the lingering effects of prior mismanagement and political turbulence. The AKD government did not use bureaucracy as an excuse; it acted decisively and transparently, prioritizing service over self-interest. Leadership, in this crisis, has been defined not by statements or gestures, but by tangible actions that save lives and protect communities.

From small villages to major urban centers, people have felt the presence of the government. Unlike previous administrations, which often responded with delayed action or politicized relief, the AKD government has been visible, approachable, and compassionate. It has demonstrated that governance, when rooted in integrity and purpose, is not about power—it is about responsibility. The citizens of Sri Lanka, for the first time in decades, feel that their government is truly with them, not distant from them.

International Response and Cooperation

No country, regardless of its size or resources, can face a disaster of this magnitude alone. Even the wealthiest nations rely on coordinated international aid to manage destruction of this scale. Recognizing the urgency, Sri Lanka reached out to the global community, and the response has been extraordinary.

Countries including India, the UAE, the USA, the UK, Japan, China, Russia, Bangladesh, and the Maldives, along with numerous international organizations, mobilized swiftly. Aid arrived via large aircraft operating around the clock and ships docking at major ports, carrying essential supplies, medical equipment, emergency shelters, and food. For the first time, Sri Lanka witnessed air-lifted bridges, heavy-duty helicopters, field hospitals, electricity generators, and specialized rescue teams arriving simultaneously from multiple nations.

Highly trained foreign personnel joined local teams on the ground, assisting in clearing operations, rebuilding infrastructure, and restoring vital services. Their expertise, combined with resources from donor countries, ensured that food, medicine, and essential services would reach the most affected communities.

The inflow of international aid has been historic in scale and meticulously organized. Yet, the mere provision of aid is insufficient. The effectiveness of foreign assistance hinges on its transparent and efficient management. Here, the AKD government’s governance stands out. By demonstrating accountability, integrity, and discipline, it ensures that every dollar, every supply package, and every unit of aid reaches those who need it most. The global community’s confidence reflects the government’s credibility: in a country once plagued by corruption, Sri Lanka is now recognized as a nation where aid is deployed honestly and efficiently.

Sri Lanka Is Small — But the AKD Government Stands Large

Sri Lanka may be geographically small, but under President AKD, its government commands enormous moral, ethical, and administrative stature. The AKD government’s integrity has earned unprecedented trust from the international community, distinguishing it from any prior administration.

Foreign aid is not just a matter of dollars; it represents the sweat, savings, and sacrifices of ordinary citizens in donor countries. Donor nations, recognizing the transparency and accountability of the AKD government, have committed generously, confident that resources will be used appropriately. This level of international trust is unprecedented in Sri Lankan history and underscores the moral credibility of the current leadership.

Unlike the 2004 Tsunami period, when political elites often siphoned aid, today every packet of medicine, every dollar of support, and every essential supply reaches its intended recipients. This integrity reassures citizens that they made the right choice in electing the AKD government and restores public trust in governance. Sri Lanka, though small, now enjoys a stature in the international arena that far exceeds its size—rooted not in military might or economic power, but in honesty, leadership, and responsible governance.

The Sri Lankan Diaspora and Global Support

The role of the Sri Lankan Diaspora has been extraordinary. Communities across the globe, particularly in New Zealand, have mobilized both resources and expertise to support relief efforts. Individual contributions and organized initiatives have flowed into the country in unprecedented amounts, demonstrating compassion, unity, and a deep sense of national responsibility.

Major international partners such as the UK, the USA, and the IMF have contributed millions of dollars in aid, reflecting confidence in Sri Lanka’s governance and resilience. Within the country, citizens, businesses, religious institutions, and NGOs have mobilized with remarkable speed and generosity, contributing essential materials, funding, and support. Together, these efforts form a massive, coordinated, and effective national and international response—an embodiment of unity in the face of catastrophe.

The Opposition Disaster Cyclone

Yet, amid this unity and coordinated action, a human-made disaster continues to unfold: the Opposition Disaster Cyclone. From the very first hour of the Dithwa crisis, opposition parties have displayed a callous disregard for national suffering. Rather than supporting relief and reconstruction, they have focused on criticism, obstruction, and political gain.

The opposition magnifies minor errors, spreads misinformation, and politicizes grief—all while people are drowning in floodwaters and facing unimaginable loss. Their allegiance is to party politics and personal ambition, not to the people of Sri Lanka. In stark contrast, the AKD government, the international community, and civic organizations tirelessly work to save lives and rebuild the country.

Every act of obstruction and politicization by the opposition is an hour wasted for the people in need. Yet, the nation sees clearly: leadership is measured by action, compassion, and accountability—not by political rhetoric. The opposition’s behavior is morally, ethically, and historically condemnable.

Cyclone Ditwah may pass, leaving physical destruction behind, but the Opposition Disaster Cyclone seeks to leave permanent scars on national morale, public trust, and the country’s progress. However, history and the people’s judgment are clear: the Opposition Disaster Cyclone will never succeed. It will never claim power again because the citizens will not forgive those who exploited suffering for political gain.

Conclusion

The lessons of Cyclone Ditwah are profound. Disasters expose not only the vulnerabilities of infrastructure but also the character of leadership. In this trial by flood and storm, the AKD government has proven its integrity, courage, and commitment. It has been demonstrated that governance rooted in transparency, discipline, and compassion can withstand the harshest crises.

Simultaneously, the opposition has revealed its true nature—a political cyclone of obstruction and opportunism, devoid of concern for human suffering. The contrast could not be starker: one force builds and protects, the other seeks to divide and exploit.

Sri Lanka may be small in size, but under President AKD, it stands large in integrity, resilience, and global respect. Cyclone Ditwah may return; natural disasters will always test us. But the lesson is eternal: genuine leadership, unity, and integrity will always prevail, while opportunism and obstruction are destined to fail. The people and the nation will remember the courage and steadfastness of the AKD government as a defining moment in Sri Lanka’s history.

*The writer, among many, served as the Special Advisor to the Office of the President of Namibia from 2006 to 2012 and was a Senior Consultant with the UNDP for 20 years. He was a Senior Economist with the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (1972-1993). He can be reached via asoka.seneviratne@gmail.com