State Fisheries Minister calls for probe into death of 11-month old child

State Minister Dileep Wedaarachchi has instructed the Hambantota District Secretary to conduct an immediate investigation into the death of a 11-month old child in Tissamaharama recently.

A post-mortem inquiry on the child's body had revealed that the child had died of starvation, Hambantota District Secretary Bandula Harischandra said. It is reported that the family of the child could not afford meals since they were facing severe economic problems.

Mr. Wedaarachchi who is also the Hambantota District Coordination Committee Chairman had called for an investigation since several state officials are expected to co-ordinate with the people directly and prevent future incidents. 

These officials include the Samurdhi Niladhari officers, Family Health officers, Grama Niladharis, Economic Development Officer, and Agriculture Research officers, the Fisheries State Minister was quoted saying in a press release issued by his ministry.

The State Minister also instructed the Hambantota District Secretary to investigate into remarks made by Samurdhi Officers that the family does not receive Samurdhi allowances.

He said these officers had claimed that the breadwinner of the family who is suffering from mental ailments had refused to accept the Samurdhi allowances.