Prioritize marginalised communities in disaster preparedness, equitable relief and economic justice: FCEJ

Flood affected families are being rescued by authorities in Kandawalai, Kilinochchi last week. 

A feminist collective urged government to prioritize marginalized communities communities in disaster preparedness, equitable relief and economic justice while pointing out  that most of the  disaster affected regions are in upcountry where vulnerable and marginalized communities reside for generations. 

The Feminist Collective for Economic Justice (FCEJ) said in a statement that the highest casualties were reported from Badulla, Kandy, Kegalle, Matale and Nuwara Eliya districts, from areas especially prone to landslides and home to already marginalised and vulnerable working class tea plantation workers. 

“Telecommunication lines are down in many districts leaving people without a way to call for help. A state of emergency was declared on November 28th. First responders working tirelessly have been providing support and an outpouring of community-led efforts by volunteers. However, with the prevailing conditions, the human impact and death toll are expected to increase.” the statement noted. 

 

Stressing that lack of information, transparency, and coordination have left communities in the most vulnerable areas stranded with no help, the outfit also pointed out that even though dedicated disaster management systems have been in place in Sri Lanka since the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami, “these systems turned out to be ill prepared. Evacuation notices were issued, often only after roads were flooded, without adequate information on the infrastructure and support people require to move to shelters with confidence.,”

 

Official government communications, including those from Disaster Management Centers and the Meteorology Department, are issued in Sinhala, even when addressing affected regions that were  primarily Tamil-speaking., FCEJ said. 

“Default practices of institutional racism creeped in even at a time of dire need. The lack of a trained and equipped civilian disaster response cadre has meant dependence on the military at this time. Whilst recognising the efforts and humanitarian motives of all rescue efforts underway, we note for the future the need to move towards civilian systems,” the statement said. (Northeastern Monitor/ December 1/2025) 

The full statement can be accessed here