Minister Slams Cyclone Misinformation: ‘Stop Creating Fear’

COLOMBO (News 1st); Cabinet Spokesperson and Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa issued a strong statement urging media and the public to avoid spreading confusion regarding recent weather events, including the Ditwah cyclone.

“Although attention was drawn to atmospheric disturbances on the 23rd and 24th, this report states that the possibility of a low-pressure area forming was mentioned only on the 25th,” Dr. Jayatissa clarified.

He explained that from November 13 to 18, Sri Lanka experienced disturbed weather that developed only into a low-pressure area before dissipating. Later, the Senya cyclone, which began around the 26th and 27th, impacted Malaysia, Indonesia, and islands such as Sumatra. The Ditwah cyclone, which developed after the 24th, was an entirely separate system.

“Mixing these three systems together, using voice clips from different occasions and statements from meteorologists to create a misleading picture is unacceptable,” he stressed. “Doing so harms a country that is struggling to recover from a disaster. It creates distrust—both toward the Department of Meteorology and its officials’ expertise—and toward the state mechanism that is working tirelessly to rebuild the nation, while the international community is assisting us to rise from this calamity.”

Dr. Jayatissa warned that whether intentional or not, such actions undermine national recovery efforts. “Do not do this,” he said firmly.

The Minister emphasized that over the past two to three weeks, all necessary answers have been provided based on data and facts. “If you want to take this to court, then in court, those who edited news, spread false reports, and misled the public can all be brought before the judiciary.”

He further revealed that several media institutions have already been informed. “Since you operate using public frequencies and public trust, if there was any shortcoming in your reporting, do not carry it forward—act responsibly for the sake of the country.”

Dr. Jayatissa also noted that some individuals are attempting to draw parallels between these events and the Easter Sunday attacks.

“That is why they keep referring to the 25th. We have presented the necessary data to clarify these points. Do not harbor further doubts. If you go to court, all this evidence can be presented, and everything will be confirmed.”