The Chief Justice Sarath N. Silva, yesterday observed that, the public should be educated on how to react to a probable disaster. Viral epidemics, natural disasters, and man-made disasters should be explained under separate headings, he said.

The recent bill on Disaster Management was called before the Supreme Court yesterday, for the determination of its constitutionality.

K. Kanag Ishwaran, P.C, supported a petition which suggested certain amendments to the latest bill, titled "Sri Lanka Disaster Management Act."

K. Kanag Ishwaran PC said that in a previous Bill of 2002, on Disaster Counter Measures, Tsunami’s were listed as a natural disaster that could strike Sri Lanka. But this bill was not placed before the Parliament.

The recently drafted bill was referred to the Supreme Court by the President, for the determination of its constitutionality.

M. A. Sumanthiran, and K. Kanag Ishwaran, both suggested amendments to the recent bill. They said that chief minister should be included in the national council for disaster management.

If only the President and cabinet ministers are included in the national council, the North and Eastern Province will not be represented, they said.

P. A. Ratnayake, Additional Solicitor General P.C., said that may be the respective governors could be listed to represent the province.

The recent Bill of 2005 deals with natural disasters such as cycles, floods and tsunamis and man made disasters such as air raids, explosions etc. The National Council on Disaster Management will have its own fund.

The Chief Justice Sarath N. Silva observed that the purpose is to create a national body, which will be held responsible in managing a disaster. After the tsunami struck on December 26, 2004, neither the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau or any other institution could be called upon on to take responsibility for information, prevention etc, he observed.

None of the persons who suggested amendments to the bill of 2005, objected to the concept of enacting a law to manage disaster in this country.

The bench comprised the chief Justice Sarath N. Silva, Justice Raja Fernando and Justice Nimal Gamini Amaratunga.