Rs.50,000 each for Maligawatte houses

Rafik JALALDEEN

COLOMBO: The Government will grant Rs.50,000 as compensation for each house gutted by fire in Maligawatte on Thursday. The Government also took immediate measures to send relief to the families, Resettlement and Disaster Relief Service Minister Rishad Bathiudeen said.

The fire rendered over 75 families homeless and 75 houses were completely destroyed. Around 40 houses were partly damaged. “Petroleum and Petroleum Resources Development Minister A.H.M Fowzie and I visited the victims,” Minister Bathiudeen said.

The Resettlement and Disaster Relief Services Ministry had taken immediate measures to send dry rations, essential items and cooked meals.

“We are providing cooked meals for three days and dry rations will be provided for one month for the victims.

The Ministry also had taken steps to distribute essential items such as cloths, soap etc,” he added. “The Ministry of Resettlement has decided to pay compensation to the 75 families to rebuild their houses. This will be provided on the request of the Divisional Secretary,” Minister Bathiudeen said.

The displaced people have been sheltered at the YMMA community centre and at the Maligawatte Dhar Al-Uloom Maha Vidyalaya.