With the provisions afforded by the Tsunami (Special Provisions) Act, No. 16 of 2005 coming to an end by today (26) at the completion 21 years after the 2004 tsunami which hit the coastal belt of Sri Lanka, the Deputy Women and Child Affairs Minister, Dr. Namal Sudarshana said the Disaster Management  Act had been initially brought to safeguard the children who had been orphaned by the tsunami.

Responding to questions from The Daily Morning yesterday (25), Dr. Sudarshana explained that even a child born on that date would complete 21 years this December (2025). “The Act would be repealed as a result after the lapse of 21 years. There were discussions as to whether a similar Act should be introduced, though not as an amendment to the Tsunami Act”. Noting that an amendment could not be introduced as the Tsunami Act was only valid for 21 years, he said that he had inquired about the issue from the Justice Minister as well. In this backdrop, he elaborated that a decision had been taken to amend the Disaster Management Act, No. 13 of 2005. It would be amended to include provisions as to what action should be taken following a disaster with regard to children.

“So, instead of introducing a new Act, the Disaster Management Act would be amended. It would not do to have several Acts to cover every disaster that the country faces”. Therefore, clarifying further, he noted that discussions were underway to include general provisions to suit any form of a disaster which could occur at any time in order to safeguard the interests of children.

However, the Deputy Defense Minister Aruna Jayasekara, when contacted by The Daily Morning, said that no decision had been taken to repeal the Tsunami Act or any other act by his Ministry.