Compensation for terrorist victims

Mohammed NAALIR

Resettlement and Disaster Relief Services Minister Rishard Bathiudeen presented compensation cheques to relatives of those who died, injured and lost their properties due to the LTTE terrorist activities, at a ceremony held at his Ministry yesterday.

Rs. Five million worth cheques were presented to 58 injured people and the relatives of those who died and 20 persons received Rs. 100,000 each for property damage. Addressing the gathering after handing over the cheques Minister Bathiudeen said the initiatives to grant such compensations was taken by President Mahinda Rajapaksa under the Mahinda Chinthana concept.

He said the compensation presented was not the real value of the loss of life or injury sustained by the victims.

Minister Bathiudeen noted that his Ministry has taken necessary steps to pay compensation to those who were affected due to terrorism. He said the Government is spending heavily on relief work.

The development activities are also being conducted uninterruptedly.

Soon after land-mines are removed the infrastructure facilities will be developed in the North, Minister Bathiudeen added.

Ministry Secretary U.L.M. Halaldeen, Resettlement Authority Chairman A.C.M. Razik, Rehabilitation Authority Chairman J.A. Hameed and several others were also present.