Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe addressing the Parliament yesterday said: “Government has its full attention on this matter. Many of us visited the site, which is more like a battle field. Military limited our movement with unattended explosives lying around freely. Estimating the damages commenced yesterday with army engineers and other professionals. Army was able to finish repairs of 11 houses.

“During the next 72 hours we will repair the houses with minor damages. But two weeks will be taken to finish repairs of houses with certain damages. Two months will be taken to repair the seriously damaged houses. I have instructed for speedy process. Three infantry regiments along with medical teams are already on site to look after the welfare. We have agreed to pay Rs.50,000/- on a monthly basis for three months to each household to meet cost of living. Banks will move in at a later stage to provide assistance to re-establish livelihood. Most importantly some are trying to create tension between army and the public. I have witnessed similar situation in Pakistan. Anyway, it is not acceptable to see people going against military,” added PM Wickeremesinghe .

According to Chief Opposition Whip, JVP MP Anura Dissanayake Government should have taken effective but fast action to provide relief and most importantly to educate the victims about the relief mechanism. “Government has failed to take a stock of the devastation. According to sources there are over 300 houses unsuitable for reoccupation. Many are stranded in the absence of a house and employment. People are protesting against the Government for not being able to take prompt action to provide relief,” charged MP Dissanayake. (AH)