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Three Rs ministry
strapped for funds The immediate need for property damage compensation stands at Rs. 70 million to be paid to 600 public servants who have suffered property loss. "We have 2800 cases to go through in 2003, but we have to first settle the 600 cases we have already investigated" he said. The Ministry which continues to receive applications is anticipating a further 1500 applications in the coming months and over the next year for which another Rs. 200 million is required putting the total compensation to public servants at Rs. 670 million. Last Monday the ministry released funds amounting to around Rs. 9 million as compensation to101 public servants in the Mullaitivu, Jaffna and Kilinochchi districts. In addition to compensation to public servants, the ministry is also looking at compensating members of the public who are drawing a salary of over Rs. 1500 per month, for property damage. Accordingly the government is in need of another Rs. 400 million. Another Rs. 800 million is required for the reconstruction of damaged temples, mosques and churches in the North and East. To compound matters, the Ministry is receiving applications from persons claiming compensation for damage to factories, industries, fishing nets, trawlers etc. "We don't have any scheme of payment to recompense these categories," Mr. Balachandran said. Rehabilitation Minister Dr. Jayalath Jayewardene said his ministry has requested for funds from the Treasury from time to time, but it seems there is a financial crisis. "I have brought this to the notice of the Finance Ministry and the Prime Minister's office, so the Prime Minister should take it up" he said. Compensation is being paid for property damage in the Jaffna, Mullaitivu, Kilinochchi, Mannar and Vavuniya districts. |
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