Govt to revive buffer zone proposal - Yapa

People's safety the priority:

Rohan Mathes

COLOMBO: Media Minister Anura Priyadarshana Yapa said yesterday that the Government may have to consider the proposal for introducing the 100 metre buffer zone which cropped up in the aftermath of the 2004 Tsunami disaster.

Responding to queries of journalists at the Cabinet press briefing Yapa said that the matter has to be looked into as a safety measure.

He said that as a responsible Government they have consistently pursued the '100 metre buffer zone' policy.

He charged that the UNP vehemently opposed this policy and even incited people to take to the streets in protest. "However, in the present uncertain situation of another unpredictable and devastating tsunami, and also as a measure to minimise and mitigate panic, they may have to revive this proposal once again."

In the backdrop of frequent earthquakes off the Indonesian coast resulting in tsunami fears, Yapa affirmed that with the concerted efforts of all the relevant organisations and agencies, the Government was well prepared and equipped to face and minimise the loss of life and damage to property.

He said there had been close coordination and cooperation among the relevant organisations including the media which did an excellent job to inform and update the public on the situation.

Until such time the risk of a tsunami was ruled out, the Government had taken all necessary precautions and measures at its disposal to inform the relevant Relief Services, the Police, Government Agents, the Transport services such as the CGR and SLTB, to liaise closely with the Meteorology Department and other services and take appropriate action when required.

He also expressed concern at the total or partial blackout or loss of communication over land and mobile phones throughout the country during such a crisis, and said steps will be taken to avert such a condition in the future.