Mahinda promises to fulfil Govt. duty on behalf of those affected by Easter attacks

Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa on Thursday assured that the Government would fulfil its duty on behalf of those affected by the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks. The Prime Minister gave this assurance while participating in the first phase of providing new houses to the victims of the series of terrorist attacks on St. Anthony›s Church in Kochchikade on Easter Sunday, 21 April 2019.

At the ceremony held at the St. Lucia Cathedral in Kotahena, Rajapaksa and other distinguished guests handed over new houses from the housing complexes owned by the Urban Development Authority to 19 beneficiary families. The new houses will be provided to 33 beneficiary families selected on a rental basis and low income basis and the value of each house exceeds Rs. 4 million. “We will fulfil our duty as a Government on behalf of the people affected by the Kochchikade bombing. We may have had delays, but we are definitely ready to make our commitment for them.

Because we know the plight of those families who have been battered by terrorism. It should also be reminded that this Government will take steps to ensure that such a situation does not arise in the future,” Prime Minister said. “People should have the right to travel freely, go to the temple, church or kovil to practice their religion. In order to enjoy that responsibility and freedom of religion, they must be protected and allowed to practice their religion. If so, it is the responsibility of the Government to take all necessary steps. We consider it our responsibility. Therefore, I am happy to be able to fulfil our duty on behalf of these people today as well as to participate in this,” the Premier said.

His Eminence Bishop J.D. Anthony and His Eminence Bishop Anton Ranjith and Minister of State for Urban Development Pollution Disposal and Community Sanitation Dr. Nalaka Godahewa also participated in the event.