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Monday Oct 07, 2024
Saturday, 20 December 2014 00:09 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Under a presidential directive and the supervision of the Secretary of Defence, the Urban Development Authority is to build 75 houses for the affected families. The project will be carried out in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Army.
Each house will consist of a floor area of 526 sq ft with a living area, two bedrooms, a kitchen and sanitary facilities and will cost approximately Rs. 1.2 million. The entire project will cost Rs. 130 million. The project will include basic infrastructure facilities and other conveniences.
A massive landslide swept away a part of a tea estate in Meeriyabedde watte in the Haldummulla Divisional Secretary Division in the Badulla District, burying many people and more than 70 line houses on 29 October.
Responding to the emergency situation, security forces teams rushed to the site for rescue operations. More than 500 soldiers braved heavy rain and rough terrain to rescue those affected and provide them with relief.
The affected families that were left homeless were promised alternative solutions and upon finding a suitable location, plans were drawn up to construct houses in which to resettle them.
Speaking at the occasion, Rajapaksa expressed his sorrow at the loss of lives and said that the President, upon becoming aware of the incident, immediately directed the security forces to render assistance to the victims. He also visited the site to see for himself the tragedy which had befallen them. Furthermore, he said that the houses would be constructed without delay and once it was over it would usher in much development to the area. He promised that his assistance would always be forthcoming to complete the project and bring relief to the people.
Minister Arumugam Thondaman, parliamentarians, provincial councilors, state officials and a large number of people were present at the occasion.
