The Presidential Secretariat conducted a Development Partner Dialogue for the “Clean Sri Lanka” initiative, aimed at securing international support. This event included participation from various diplomatic missions and development organizations. In separate discussions, national security measures were reviewed with the Air Force, and compensation was provided to victims of the Easter Sunday attacks. Lastly, significant funds were allocated for individuals affected by property damage during civil unrest.
On Thursday, the Presidential Secretariat hosted a Development Partner Dialogue to support the “Clean Sri Lanka” initiative. This program aims to garner contributions and proposals from various international partners to enhance the country’s environmental condition. The United Nations, alongside the Presidential Secretariat, organized this event under the guidance of Marc-Andre Franche, the UN Resident Coordinator in Sri Lanka, which consisted of three main sessions.
Noteworthy attendees included diplomatic missions such as the British, Australian, Canadian, Indian High Commissions, and others from Japan, China, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and the UK. Prominent international development partners, including the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), also participated. Additionally, officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Foreign Employment and Tourism, and affiliated departments were actively involved in the discussions.
In a separate meeting held on the same day, President Anura Kumara Disanayake convened with senior Sri Lanka Air Force officials, where they deliberated on the national security situation. The discussion centered on strengthening the Air Force as a maritime security entity within the Indian Ocean and addressed the Air Force’s collaboration with the Army and Navy. Furthermore, they reviewed budget allocations for the Air Force in the latest national budget.
In legal developments, the Attorney General announced that Rs. 245 million in compensation had been distributed to victims of the Easter Sunday attacks, informed during Supreme Court proceedings. This payment followed a January 2023 ruling and relates to fundamental rights petitions concerning the failure to prevent the attacks. The court monitored the disbursement of these funds and indicated that future hearings are scheduled to ensure transparency in the distribution.
Additionally, Chief Government Whip Minister Nalinda Jayathissa reported that the Ranil Wickremesinghe government allocated Rs. 1.1 billion in compensation for houses destroyed during civil unrest in 2022. This figure supplements earlier payouts, totaling over Rs. 1.2 billion for similar compensation. The minister highlighted a notable compensation of Rs. 28 million awarded to a local astrologer for damage incurred to her temple during the unrest.
The recent Development Partner Dialogue held at the Presidential Secretariat aimed to bolster the Clean Sri Lanka initiative with international support. Additionally, impactful discussions on national security took place with Air Force officials. Legal measures progressing from the Supreme Court provided compensation to victims of the Easter Sunday attacks, highlighting the government’s ongoing efforts to address past grievances and support citizens affected by civil disturbances with substantial financial assistance. Overall, these events illustrate an ongoing commitment to developmental and humanitarian efforts in Sri Lanka, aiming for improved national welfare amidst complex challenges.
Original Source: island.lk
