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Last Updated : 2024-04-23 15:09:00
The estate authorities have shirked their responsibility in the relocation of the workers in the Meeriyabedda Division despite repeated warnings about possible landslides, Disaster Management Minister Mahinda Amaraweera told Parliament yesterday.
He said President Mahinda Rajapaksa had ordered that this matter be probed
In a statement on the landslide, the minister told the House more than a hundred people had lost their lives and said the number believed to be missing appeared less than initially thought.
He said a few more people who had gone out for work had arrived yesterday and this was in addition to the 75 students and 100 others who had survived the tragedy.
"The number seems to be less now. But we are cautious enough not to rush in with the figures of those missing," the minister said.
He said the residents had not moved out despite landslide warnings on two earlier occasions and that the estate authorities had failed to discharge their responsibilities in relocating the workers despite the grave risk involved.
"The President has ordered a probe against this estate company and on other companies that have not allocated lands for the relocation of workers from vulnerable areas. If they do not release lands earmarked for the purpose, we will acquire them. The Cabinet decided to enact fresh legislation if necessary," the minister said.
He said the government had the necessary resources to respond to this disaster and urged philanthropists to donate scholarships for the affected children instead of donating food aid.
The minister also asked people living nearby not to flock in large numbers to the landslide area because it was hindering rescue and relief operations.
"We received information that some individuals and groups are trying to collect money and relief items. People are requested not to be deceived by such unscrupulous elements. We have enough resources for relief operations and I have released Rs.500,000 to the Badulla District Secretary and released Rs.2 million more for relief operations ," he said.( Kelum Bandara and Yohan Perera)
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Ramohan Saturday, 01 November 2014 11:23 AM
The authorities also must take responsibility. Just giving warnings is not enough. They must see that it is implemented. After a red notice dont they cut electricity or water?
Waco Saturday, 01 November 2014 11:30 AM
Rubber Plantations in Kegalle, Dehiowita,Ratnapura are short of workers. Re-Locate them in those areas.
C.K..Lankaputhra Saturday, 01 November 2014 11:44 AM
Who rules the country, who is responsible for resettlement, who should find finances, who should do the follow up? What duties of the AGAa and GAa? Government of Sri Lana rules the country and its people while estate company manage (their purview) the estate.
Sirisena Saturday, 01 November 2014 07:54 PM
Very Good Mr Minister now look for scape gpats
Dulan Sunday, 02 November 2014 08:30 AM
Majority of big private companies are in toe with the government to make money for both them and politicians .Neither party concerned about the workers
pavthra Monday, 03 November 2014 09:58 AM
this inefficient minister is well known for shifting blame to others especially other govt officials - I have seen him do this often in parliament and cope.- this time he will shift blame onto the plantation owner.
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