The Presidential Secretariat and United Nations conducted a Development Partner Dialogue about the ‘Clean Sri Lanka’ initiative to garner support. A security meeting with Air Force officials addressed future measures. Additionally, Rs. 245 million was allocated for Easter attack victims, while the government reported compensation for destroyed properties.
A Development Partner Dialogue regarding the “Clean Sri Lanka” initiative took place at the Presidential Secretariat on Thursday, aimed at securing support for the program. This conference was jointly organized by the United Nations and the Presidential Secretariat, led by UN Resident Coordinator Marc-Andre Franche. The event featured three main discussion sessions, emphasizing proposals and collaboration among participants.
Representatives from various diplomatic missions, including the British, Australian, Canadian, and Indian High Commissions, as well as embassies from Japan, China, Switzerland, and the Netherlands, attended the dialogue. Key international development partners like the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) were present, alongside officials from Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Foreign Employment and Tourism.
Additionally, on the same day, President Anura Kumara Disanayake met with senior officials from the Sri Lanka Air Force to discuss the current security situation in the country. Conversations focused on enhancing the Air Force’s role in maritime security within the Indian Ocean region and the support provided to the Sri Lanka Army and Navy. Budget allocations for the Air Force were also reviewed during this meeting.
In legal developments, the Attorney General informed the Supreme Court that Rs. 245 million had been disbursed to victims of the Easter Sunday attacks from funds obtained according to a January verdict. Of the allocated Rs. 311 million, funds were distributed among victims, while Rs. 65 million is earmarked for medical treatment and elder care for affected individuals. The court is scheduled to hear cases regarding compensation on May 21.
Moreover, Chief Government Whip Minister Nalinda Jayathissa reported that the government dispensed an additional Rs. 1.125 billion as compensation for houses destroyed in 2022. This amount supplements the previous Rs. 1.221 billion compensated to politicians. An interesting note is that an astrologer named Gnanakka was compensated with Rs. 28 million for property damage incurred during unrest in 2022.
The articles encapsulate significant discussions held at the Presidential Secretariat concerning the ‘Clean Sri Lanka’ initiative, highlighting the collaborative efforts of the United Nations and several diplomatic missions. Additionally, the emphasis on security measures for the Sri Lanka Air Force and the ongoing compensation process regarding the Easter Sunday attacks represents the government’s engagement in addressing key national issues. Furthermore, the financial compensations made for properties destroyed during civil unrest illustrate the government’s approach to recovery and support for those affected.
Original Source: island.lk
