A Development Partner Dialogue for the ‘Clean Sri Lanka’ initiative occurred on January 27, aimed at gathering international support. Concurrently, President Disanayake held discussions with Air Force officials on national security. The Attorney General reported Rs. 245 million had been paid to Easter attack victims. Government Whip Minister Jayathissa announced an additional Rs. 1.1 billion in housing compensation from 2022.
On Thursday, January 27, a Development Partner Dialogue for the ‘Clean Sri Lanka’ initiative took place at the Presidential Secretariat. This key government initiative aims to gather support and proposals from various stakeholders to promote a cleaner environment in Sri Lanka. The discussion, led by Marc-Andre Franche, the UN Resident Coordinator in Sri Lanka, included participation from several diplomatic missions and major international development organizations including the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, and IMF. Representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and related ministries also contributed to the dialogue.
In a separate meeting on the same date, President Anura Kumara Disanayake engaged senior officials of the Sri Lanka Air Force to discuss national security. The agenda included enhancing the Air Force’s role as a maritime security provider in the Indian Ocean and ensuring collaborative operations with the Army and Navy. Budget allocations for the Air Force were also a focal point of the discussion, attended by key defense officials, including the Deputy Minister of Defence and the Air Force Commander.
In legal developments, the Attorney General informed the Supreme Court that Rs. 245 million had been disbursed as compensation to victims of the Easter Sunday attacks, following a January 12 court verdict. This compensation covered 412 victims, including families of 215 deceased individuals. The Attorney General’s representative confirmed that a portion of the funds would also be allocated for medical care and support for the victims’ families, while the court scheduled further hearings for May 21.
Government Whip Minister Nalinda Jayathissa announced that the government had allocated an additional Rs. 1.1 billion in compensation for houses destroyed in 2022. This amount supplemented Rs. 1.22 billion previously paid to politicians. Notably, an astrologer named Gnanakka received Rs. 28 million for damage to her property caused by mob violence in 2022. This situation highlights ongoing efforts to provide financial redress and support to affected populations in the country.
The initiatives discussed at the Presidential Secretariat demonstrate the government’s commitment to engaging international partners to support key development programs like ‘Clean Sri Lanka’. Additionally, discussions on national security reflect the government’s proactive measures to strengthen defense capabilities. The compensation efforts for the Easter Sunday attack victims and those affected by property loss further indicate a prioritization of public welfare and justice.
Original Source: island.lk
