‘Certain parties which neglected duty, blame govt’
Dhanushka GODAKUMBURA
Although it is the duty of the government and the Opposition to join
hands and work in unison to repair damages caused by natural calamities,
certain parties which have neglected this duty and responsibility keep
on blaming the government during natural disasters, said Disaster
Management Minister Mahinda Aamaraweera.
The new building. Picture by Nalin Hewapathirana |
He said the government on its part is always dedicated towards the
duty of building a safe and secure country while protecting people of
all communities irrespective of whether the Opposition lent its
cooperation towards such endeavours or not. Minister Amaraweera was
addressing a meeting which followed the opening of his ministry’s new
building complex by President Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday. The building
complex which will house all departments and institutions earlier strewn
in several places, under once roof, was built at a cost of Rs 900
million.
The ministry’s Emergency Operation Centre and Emergency Call Centre
are also located in this new building.
Minister Amaraweera said the President who pioneered the setting up
of the Disaster Management Ministry also headed the National Committee
on Disaster Management as its President.
The decision taken by the Head of the state to preside over the
National Disaster Management of Sri Lanka has been highly acclaimed by
many countries as a wise move which gives top priority for this subject.
Minister Amaraweera said: “We as a government is always prepared and
duty bound to provide relief to people affected by natural disasters.
“The President has instructed us to provide prompt attention to
people affected by natural calamities from the initial stage of
providing them with cooked meals. This has enabled us to provide an
example to the rest of the world in caring for disaster affected
people.”
Minister Amaraweera said acting on the direction of the President,
his ministry took swift action to come to the aid of families affected
by the mini-cyclone which struck houses at the Menik farm welfare
centre.”
The minister said since the President had directed them to take
action to prevent disasters wherever possible, his ministry has now
created a joint programme with the Defence Ministry to avert floods in
the Colombo City.
“Cabinet approval has been received for a programme to prevent
landslides,” the minister said.
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