Croc victims to receive compensation

Matara Special, Akuressa Central Special and Malimbada Group Corrs.

Steps will be taken soon to compensate families whose members fall victim to crocodiles in the Nilwala Ganga, said Agrarian Services and Wildlife Minister S.M. Chandrasena. This follows directives issued by President Mahinda Rajapaksa subsequent to the death of a mother of two and an 18-year schoolgirl after being attacked by man- eating crocodiles in the Niwala Ganga within a week recently, he added.

The minister disclosed this to the press when he visited several spots on the banks of Niwala Ganga in Kadduwa, Kamburupitiya and Kudaduwa Malimbada where people had fallen victims to crocodiles, for an inspection tour recently.

The minister who also visited the homes of the affected families to express his condolences said Rs 100,000 each would be paid for the two children (who are twins) of the deceased mother in Kadduwa while a financial donation would be made to the family of the 18-year schoolgirl to enable them to repair and make improvements to their small house at Kudaduwa.

The minister also said that Rs 15 million would be provided towards building strong enclosures for the detention of man-eating crocodiles. Chairman, Malimbada Pradesheeya Sabha Somasiri Weeraman also spoke. Provincial Council Member D.W. Prathapasinghe and several wildlife department officials accompanied the minister during the tour.