Connect with us

News

Discrepancy in compensation for terror victims highlighted

Published

on

Easter Sunday probe:

By Rathindra Kuruwita

There was no uniform policy on compensating those killed or injured in terror attacks or riots and political influence had help those affected by riots in Digana and Beruwala receive higher compensation than the victims of Easter Sunday attacks, the Presidential Commission of Inquiry on the Easter Sunday attacks was informed yesterday.

Acting Director of the Office of Reparations S. M. Bathiudeen told the PCoI that one million rupees each had been paid for the persons killed during the Easter Sunday attacks.  However, two million rupees each had been paid for those killed during the anti-Muslim riots in Digana and Beruwala, he said.

“We have received 220 applications from families of those killed during the Easter Sunday attacks. Rs. 220 million was paid to these individuals. The Cabinet also decided to pay a maximum of Rs. 500,000 to those who were injured. Rs. 86 million was paid to 506 applicants. There was also a cap of Rs. 5 million for properties that were damaged.”

The families of those who died during the Digana and Beruwala riots were paid Rs. 2 million each and there was no cap as regards damages caused to properties.

Bathiudeen said: “There was a meeting at the Kandy Kachcheri after the Digana riots. The then PM Ranil Wickremesinghe, Ministers Rauff Hakeem and Lakshman Kiriella and Kandy MPs were present. They decided on the amounts to be paid. Those who were injured at Digana were also compensated without medical reports.”

Bathiudeen said that people frequently asked him why they had been paid less than others who had been in a similar situation. The amount to be paid was not decided by the Office of Reparations, but by politicians. It was unfair that only Rs. 100,000 each was paid for those killed in the North.

“We don’t decide on the figures. We are not even asked. We are sent Cabinet papers and we implement them,” Bathiudeen said.

Bathiudeen was then cross-examined by Shamil Perera, PC, who represents the Archbishop of Colombo, Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith.

Shamil Perera: “How much was an injured person to be paid?”

Bathiudeen: “The Cabinet decided to put a cap of Rs. 500,000 as regards the victims of the Easter Sunday attacks. But people were paid less based on medical reports. We judged the effect of these injuries would have on his or her earning capacity.”

Perera PC: “You said that 280 injured persons of the blast at Katuwapitiya Church were compensated. However only 32 victims have received Rs. 500,000. Meanwhile 147 people, the overwhelming majority, received only Rs. 50,000 each. At Kochchikade 102 were injured. Only 13 victims received Rs. 500,000 each. Meanwhile 40 people received only Rs. 50,000 each. Did you know that these people had serious injuries”

Bathiudeen: “Yes.”

Perera PC: “Many people had to undergo surgeries. Is Rs. 500,000 enough for a surgery?’

Bathiudeen: “It’s true. The Cabinet took this decision”.

Perera PC: “Do you know that the Catholic Church paid for the surgeries?”

Bathiudeen: “No.”

Perera PC: “You said that those who died at Digana and Beruwala received higher amounts due to political influence.”

Bathiudeen: “As I said the numbers were agreed upon during the meeting at the Kandy Kachcheri. The then Minister of Rehabilitation D. M. Swaminathan prepared the first draft. The Finance Ministry headed by then PM Ranil Wickremesinghe then amended the Cabinet paper.”

A Commissioner: “Politicians didn’t try to increase compensation for Easter Sunday attack victims?”

Bathiudeen: “Politicians on different occasions decide on various numbers.”

Perera, PC: “Do you agree that the compensation paid to Easter Sunday attack victims is not enough?”

Bathiudeen: “The amount is less than what was paid to the victims in Digana and Beruwala.”



Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

News

Green Energy Acceleration Plan 2025-2030 launched

Published

on

By

The launch of the five-year renewable energy development plan, ” Green Energy Acceleration Plan 2025-2030″, presented by the Ministry of Energy, was held on February 27 at the Cinnamon Life Hotel in Colombo under the patronage of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.

The plan outlines key strategies for identifying and implementing renewable energy methods and digital innovations, ensuring their efficient and environmentally sustainable use. It also highlights the economic benefits of renewable energy and its potential to strengthen the country’s financial stability.

Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated:

“It is a pleasure to address you on this significant occasion of launching the Action Plan on Renewable Energy Management. We are not just here to launch this project; we are here to transform our country into an energy powerhouse for the future. The Ceylon Electricity Board and the Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority have taken the lead in steering Sri Lanka towards sustainable energy solutions.

I am pleased that the Ministry of Energy has introduced a valuable five-year action plan, the Green Energy Acceleration Plan 2025-2030. This initiative will promote sustainable energy consumption, identify renewable energy sources, and provide a comprehensive understanding of energy conservation and storage methods.

The primary objective of this plan is to reduce electricity demand and lower the initial cost of electricity in Sri Lanka by identifying and promoting the use of renewable energy sources.

Our goal is to expand renewable energy production over the next five years and provide affordable electricity to all Sri Lankans.

We aim to reform our energy acts in three key areas. First, we will ensure the provision of affordable and reliable energy through renewable sources such as solar, wind, and hydropower while minimizing carbon emissions. Second, we will focus on educating the public on the significance of renewable energy and digital technologies and their role in accessing modern and reliable energy. Third, we will introduce advanced energy conversion methods to modernize the energy sector, aligning Sri Lanka with global advancements in the field.

This is not just a plan; it is a roadmap for the next five years. It encompasses various aspects, including the identification and development of energy sources, public awareness initiatives, implementation timelines, allocated funding, and necessary legal frameworks.

To ensure the success of this project, it is essential to leverage both local and international partnerships. Let us work together to meet the energy needs of all Sri Lankans using renewable energy solutions.”

The event was attended by Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody, Deputy Ministers Eranga Weeraratne and Janith Ruwan Kodithuwakku, Secretary to the Ministry of Energy Professor Udayanga Hemapala, and Chairman of the Electricity Board Dr. Thilak Siyambalapitiya.

[Prime Minister’s Media division]

Continue Reading

Latest News

Matara MC orders arrest of former IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon

Published

on

By

[File pic]

The Matara Magistrate’s Court has ordered the arrest of former IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon, and seven others said to be responsible for the shooting incident that took place in front of the W15 Hotel in Weligama, Matara on December 31, 2023.

 

Continue Reading

Latest News

The responsibility of revitalizing both the economy and the fractured social fabric falls on everyone – President

Published

on

By

President Anura Kumara Disanayake directed the District Secretaries to allocate Rs. 1,400 billion in recurrent expenditure for the implementation of productive projects at the grassroots level over the next eight months.

The President made these remarks during a discussion held with the District Secretaries, on Thursday (27) at the Presidential Secretariat.

The President also emphasized that by developing the rural economy, the country’s economic growth could be elevated by 3% to 4%. He stressed the need to enhance existing economic opportunities and identify new sources of growth during the expansion of the economy to rural areas.

The pension schemes proposed in the 2025 budget were also deliberated upon during this meeting.

Moreover, the President pointed out that there is a prevailing negative perception of the public sector and that inefficiency within government services has contributed to this situation. He underscored the necessity of creating satisfied and effective government officials, and emphasized the need to improve the efficiency of public services.

Currently, 30,000 vacancies have been identified within the public service, and the President stated that the government plans to recruit for these positions in categories, which would complete the mid-level staffing of the public service.

The President emphasized that development is not limited to constructing buildings and bridges but also involves uplifting the fractured social structure, a responsibility that primarily lies with the District Secretaries.

Additionally, the District Secretaries raised issues specific to their districts, which were brought to the President’s attention, and extensive discussions were held on possible solutions and proposals.

The meeting was attended by the Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government, Dr. Chandana Abeyratne; Secretary to the President, Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Secretary to the Ministry of Public Administration Aloka Bandara, as well as the District Secretaries.

Continue Reading

Trending