Minister of Disaster Management Anura Priyadarshana Yapa said the government has implemented an effective program to provide necessary basic facilities to the people affected by the recent fire at Kosgama Salawa army camp.
At a media conference held at parliamentary complex yesterday, the Minister told the media that at a discussion held with the President, Prime Minister and Finance Minister, it was decided to compensate the families whose houses were damaged due to the fire at the army ammunition storage in Salawa.
Accordingly, Rs.50,000 per month for three months will be provided to those whose houses were fully damaged or partly damaged.
The funds will be distributed to the respective beneficiaries from tomorrow upon certification by the divisional secretary of the respective areas.
According to the minister, as many as 800 houses were damaged beyond repair in the explosion and 1,318 persons of 351 families still remain in six welfare camps.
The Minister said the Army has begun reconstructing the house but he cannot estimate how long it will take.
The government had also decided to allocate Rs.1 million for the provision of dry rations, tents and folding mattresses to the affected families.
Also, a special compensation program will be implemented for the benefit of damaged business establishments, the Minister said.