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Meethotamulla tragedy: Committee report ready
The report of the one-man Presidential Committee appointed to investigate the causes that led to the Meethotamulla garbage dump tragedy has been completed. Over 30 people died and more than 100 houses were damaged or destroyed when the garbage dump collapsed on April 14, while many families were celebrating the National New Year.
On April 26, President Maithripala Sirisena appointed retired High Court Judge Chandradasa Nanayakkara to investigate the tragedy. The probe, which lasted seven months, was concluded late last month.
“I am currently waiting for an opportunity to hand it over to the President,” Mr. Nanayakkara told the Sunday Times adding that he had already written to the President’s Secretary asking for an appointment. He was hopeful that an appointment would be given within the next two weeks.
The committee had recorded evidence of more than 30 witnesses during the course of its investigation.
Among those who gave evidence were the secretaries of local municipalities, former mayors, representatives of civil society organisations and residents who were affected by the tragedy.
Over 30 people died and more than 100 houses were damaged or destroyed when the garbage dump collapsed on April 14. Pic by Indika Handuwala