Video: Aluthgama under Army rule
Three months have passed since communal riots erupted in Aluthgama – Beruwala area. 115 houses were torched and the damage cost people about Rs.315million. 36 commercial establishments were destroyed and its damage is estimated at Rs.307 million. Two religious places were also destroyed which would cost Rs.5.1 million to reconstruct. Despite a damage of more than Rs.600 million has been inflicted, the Minister said the government would allocate Rs.200 million to compensate the damage. He said the houses that were destroyed would be restored and handed back to the owners.
Recently, the security services commander for Western Province Maj. Gen. Ubhaya Mediwela held a press conference. He said “112 houses and 33 business establishments were restored and were handed over to the people.” A visit to the area by ‘Lanka’ newspaper revealed what he said was a lie. A resident had said, “Only four houses were repaired. We are helpless.” “The area is under Army rule. We cannot allow you to report. Move away from here,” an Army officer obstructed the journalists.
Source: ‘Lanka Irida’
