Jathika Saviya compensates Muttur Muslims

COLOMBO: Muttur residents received compensation to restart agricultural activities and also got compensation for those who were killed by recent LTTE terror attacks, under the "Jathika Saviya" National Programme of Developing the threatened areas of the North East.

The Jathika Saviya is a brainchild of President Mahinda Rajapaksa under this a series of welfare activities took place with the participation of a large number of politicians at the Al Haj Vidyalaya, Muttur, last Saturday, stated a media release from the President's Office, yesterday.

Attended by several Muslim Parliamentarians including Minister A.H.M.Fowzie and North Central Province Chief Minister Berty Premalal Dissanayake, MP Wimal Weerawansa and Jayantha Wijesekera, the residents of Muttur at this meeting received compensation to re-start agricultural activities, received compensation in respect of those who were killed by the recent LTTE terrorist attacks.

The schoolchildren of the area received free school books and uniforms.

Addressing the gathering Minister A.H.M. Fowzie said about 90 per cent of the re-settlement work under the "Jathika Saviya" programme has already been accomplished and the people continue to receive essential consumer goods including food without any shortage.

Yet, being misinformed by the LTTE terrorists, close upon 87 families among those who returned have again fled to safe areas in fear. The Government vouch to their security.

Let them be not frightened. Let them be wise not to leave Muttur, Minister Fowzie appealed to the people.

Seruwila SLFP Organiser M.K.D.S. Gunawardena, several political representatives and the heads of security forces in the area were present.