Tuesday, 9 December 2025

 Ingrid STITT (Western Metropolitan – Minister for Mental Health, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Multicultural Affairs) (13:15): I want to acknowledge the devastating impact of Cyclone Ditwah and the catastrophic flooding that has struck communities across Sri Lanka. The scale of destruction is heartbreaking, and I share the deep concerns felt by so many Victorians. I want to extend my thoughts and sympathies to our Sri Lankan community, many of whom have friends and family impacted. The distress, the uncertainty and the pain being experienced overseas are also being felt here at home. The Albanese government has announced $3.5 million of relief assistance to support emergency efforts in Sri Lanka, and this support is vital, but we know that the road to recovery will be long, and our thoughts remain firmly with the communities rebuilding their lives in the aftermath of this disaster. The tragedy in Sri Lanka comes amid a wave of cyclones and monsoon rains in recent weeks across South and South-East Asia, which have claimed over a thousand lives and displaced many communities. Our hearts are with every family affected, both in Victoria and across the region. We will work closely with the Sri Lankan diaspora here in Victoria to ensure we are providing the necessary supports that the community needs.