Independent LG member’s hand bitten by NPP politician over flood-relief distribution

• The NPP member reportedly insisted on exclusive controlover all disaster-relief efforts in the area

By Yohan Perera and Ajith Siriwardana

An NPP politician allegedly bit the hand of an independent local government member during a dispute over the distribution of lunch packets to flood victims in Kaduwela, MP D. V. Chanaka revealed in Parliament yesterday.

According to MP Chanaka, the NPP member had insisted that all disaster-relief efforts in the area be carried out exclusively through him. “How can a political party attempt to control a disaster-relief programme?” he questioned.

He stressed that relief material distributed to victims should not carry any party labels.

The MP also claimed that the SLPP has been involved in providing assistance wherever possible. “We will launch a programme to distribute school stationery to children affected by the floods. This initiative will commence in Hambantota today,” he said. 

ab allocated to him as an MP. “The government spends Rs. 21 million on this vehicle. I want that money diverted to purchase emergency medicines for flood victims,” he stated.