Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe today expressed the government regret for being unable to finalise the process of removing the massive garbage dump in Meethotamulla before yesterday’s tragic events.
“We express our regret to the people of Meethotamulla who had to face an unexpected disaster with the dawn of the Sinhala and Tamil New Year,” he said in a special statement.
He stated that the plans and actions necessary for the removal of the Meethotamulla garbage dump were being made, however before they could complete those this tragedy occurred.
“The government expresses its regret in not being able to complete the process before this incident took place.”
The PM, who is currently in Japan on an official visit, said that as soon as he was made aware of the incident, he contacted all relevant officials and held a discussion and that when he spokes to the President the latter had already implemented coordination for relief services.
Wickremesinghe stated that after the preliminary report on the situation was received this morning, the Colombo district coordinating committee gathered at the Ministry of Disaster Management and that the next course of action was discussion with relevant officials.
He said that committee will reach an agreement and notify the public with regard to providing relief to all the affected people, including the families who lost their loved ones, injured persons and those who lost property or incurred property damages.
The PM said that the promise made by the government to remove the garbage dump is still unchanged and that the necessary steps are being expedited. Wickremesinghe said that he spoke to President Maithripala Sirisena regarding the matter and that he was of the opinion this should be speeded up further.
He stated that all the plans to remove the garbage dump are eco-friendly and lawful and that the removal of the garbage dump will not pollute or harm the environment of any area. He stated that such accusations are false.
“Therefore the government will take action to resolve the main problem. It is the responsibility of the government. Innocent people should not have to pay with their lives.”
He stated that they do not condone sacrificing the lives of the people in Kolonnawa for political slogans. Wickremesinghe said that the government will provide a reasonable compensation to those who will lose their homes and those who will be removed.
He stated that the government will make a statement after the complete reports are received.
