KITH AND KIN OF RATHUPASWELA VICTIMS COMPENSATED

At a Temple Trees ceremony yesterday, President Mahinda Rajapaksa compensated the families of the victims of the August 1 military firing at Rathupaswela.

While expressing his deepest condolences to the bereaved families, the President said the objective of providing relief was to help cushion the blow dealt by the Rathupaswela tragedy. “We can’t bring back the lives lost or fill the vacuum caused by the deaths.

On August 1 the Army, while attempting to control the unarmed protesters, opened fire killing three residents and and injuring several others

These donations symbolise the Government’s regret over what happened,” he said.

Ratupaswela residents staged a protest in July and August over the contamination of ground water by the Dipped Products Factory located in the area.

On August 1 the Army, while attempting to control the unarmed protesters, opened fire killing three residents and and injuring several others. The Army appointed a Court of Inquiry to investigate the incident and the report was handed over to Army Commander Daya Ratnayaka on Wednes- day.

Ministers Susil Premajayantha, Basil Rajapaksa, Western Province Chief Minister Prasanna Ranatunga and Deputy Minister Pandu Bandaranaike were present.

The President is seen condoling with Priyangika Shiromie. Her son Akila Dinesh, an A/L student was killed in the firing. Pic by Sudath Silva