The Presidential Secretariat and the UN held a Development Partner Dialogue to support the “Clean Sri Lanka” initiative, aiming to secure proposals and contributions from various stakeholders. In discussions about national security, President Disanayake met with senior Air Force officials. Additionally, the Attorney General announced Rs. 245 million in compensation for Easter attack victims, while over Rs. 1.1 billion was allocated for homes destroyed in 2022. Transparency and support for affected individuals were emphasized during these discussions.
On Thursday, the Presidential Secretariat in collaboration with the United Nations hosted a Development Partner Dialogue focused on the “Clean Sri Lanka” initiative, aimed at securing contributions for this significant government program. The conference’s primary goal was to gather proposals and support from various representatives attending the session.
Under the leadership of Marc-Andre Franche, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Sri Lanka, this dialogue comprised three main sessions and attracted numerous diplomatic missions, including the British, Australian, Canadian, and Indian High Commissions, alongside embassies from Japan, China, Switzerland, and the Netherlands, as well as key international development partners such as the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, and the International Monetary Fund.
Attendees included officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Foreign Employment and Tourism, and their affiliated departments, who engaged in discussions to strategize the way forward for the Clean Sri Lanka program.
Separately, President Anura Kumara Disanayake convened senior officers of the Sri Lanka Air Force to discuss the nation’s current security situation. The meeting highlighted future security measures, particularly enhancing the Air Force’s capabilities as a maritime security force in the Indian Ocean and supporting Army and Navy operations.
Another critical issue addressed was the budget allocations for the Air Force detailed in the latest national budget, which was discussed between the attendees, including Deputy Minister of Defence Aruna Jayasekara and Air Force Commander Air Marshal Bandu Edirisinghe.
In a related update, the Attorney General reported to the Supreme Court that Rs. 245 million had been distributed as compensation to victims of the Easter Sunday attacks. The payment followed a verdict delivered in January 2023, and a total of Rs. 311 million was allocated for related compensations.
Within this framework, 412 individuals had already benefited from compensation, including families of 215 deceased victims. The court was informed that an additional Rs. 65 million from these funds was earmarked for victims’ medical treatment and care for affected elderly individuals.
The Supreme Court proceedings monitored this compensation disbursement closely, with Chief Justice Murdu Fernando emphasizing the importance of transparency in providing detailed reports to petitioners regarding the compensation payments. The next hearing has been scheduled for May 21.
Additionally, Chief Government Whip Minister Nalinda Jayathissa revealed that the Ranil Wickremesinghe government had allocated over Rs. 1.1 billion in compensation for homes destroyed in 2022. Notably, this was in addition to Rs. 1.22 billion distributed to political entities.
Among the compensation recipients, an astrologer named Gnanakka from Anuradhapura received Rs. 28 million for the destruction of her Devalaya.
The ongoing dialogues and compensations reflect the government’s commitment to addressing critical issues affecting citizens, including safety, recovery from attacks, and rebuilding after disasters.
In conclusion, the initiatives highlighted in the dialogues and actions taken by the Presidential Secretariat demonstrate a strong commitment to national development, security enhancement, and victim compensation. The collaborative efforts with international partners aim to foster growth through the Clean Sri Lanka program. Furthermore, continued support for victims of past tragedies reflects a focus on healing and rebuilding the community. Such structured dialogue and allocation of resources signify a proactive approach to addressing both immediate and long-term needs within the country.
Original Source: island.lk
