Political violence compensation for Anoja

COLOMBO: The payment of compensation to veteran film actress Anoja Weerasinghe, in respect of damage to her property due to election violence, took place at Temple Trees under the auspices of President Mahinda Rajapaksa this week.

Addressing the gathering President Rajapaksa said it is deplorable that politics that should operate in the interest of the people could also cause hurt people. He would never hesitate to compensate victims of political violence.

Weerasinghe, reciprocating the President's gesture thanked him for this payment of Rs. 1.5 million and said the compensation received by her on this occasion will be remitted towards the construction work of the first ever school of performing arts in Sri Lanka, for which the foundation stone is scheduled to be laid on January 21.

Weerasinghe told the media that the country has finally got a leader who feels the pulse of the people and loves the performing arts. He is an example to all politicians.

"I did not campaign for any political party during the last election. But I told the people that they should elect a leader with a backbone, a leader who is farsighted. This has come true now. There is hope for tomorrow."

She recalled that when her house in Moneragala was burnt down by arsonists, President Mahinda Rajapaksa was one of the few politicians who condemned it.

"He even came to a stage play which was held to collect proceeds for me. And now he has granted me compensation."

She said all should protect the President and help him in his effort to resolve the North-East conflict.