Govt. officials were prompt in providing relief measures - Mahinda Rajapakse

MATARA Central Correspondent

THERE may be delays and lapses in providing compensation to those who were affected due to the tsunami devastation. However, the Government is determined to provide suitable relief to every one affected.

Services rendered by District Secretaries, Divisional Secretaries, Grama Niladaris and other government officials during the calamity is greatly appreciated on behalf of the whole Government, said Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapakse when he spoke as the chief invitee on the occasion of inaugurating a workshop aiming at providing legal aid to those who were displaced due to the tsunami disaster.

This workshop was jointly organised by the Free Legal Aid Commission and Matara District Secretariat held at Sujatha Vidyalaya, Matara.

Prime Minister further said, several countries throughout the world were devastated by the tsunami tidal waves. Out of those countries, only Sri Lanka was prompt in providing relief to the affected. This is the general opinion of the rest of the world.

When I recently visited several of tsunami affected countries, I saw myself the hardships undergone by citizens of such countries.

I feel happy that our country is well ahead in that respect. Most of the Grama Seva Niladaris did their best irrespective of race, religion or other differences.

Only a few number of Grama Niladaris were reported dishonest. That does not mean all were bad Luckily on the day of the disaster I was in Matara for a religious matter. As such I could attend to the relief work along with Matara District Secretary, and the police officers of the area.

I thank the District Secretary and others for prompt attention paid by them in the matter of providing rescue and relief measures.