Cabinet turns attention towards flood relief

COLOMBO (News 1^st) - The cabinet meeting was held under the auspices of President Maithripala Sirisena at the Presidential Secretariat. Following the meeting, the Ministers spoke to media and said the focus was drawn towards providing compensation to those affected by the recent floods and to create an environment where fertilizer concession can be given to farmers in a systematic way. Deputy Leader of the UNP, Minister Sajith Premadasa stated that attention was drawn towards allocating funds for the flood-affected communities. He further stated that the virus spreading in the south has not been identified as yet and that he does not think they can wait for a tender procedure to take place with the Health Ministry's involvement to provide the required equipment to solve this issue. He stated that discussions were held about appointing a committee to provide the medicine and equipment required. Minister Premadasa was then questioned on whether discussions were held regarding MP Dayasiri's claim that 118 people obtaining money from Arjun Aloysius. Responding to the question he said that the topic was not brought up and that the legal process is taking place without interference, therefore, there is no need to discuss it. Deputy Minister of Ports and Shipping Affairs, Nishantha Muthuhettigamage was also questioned about President's Secretary statement on looking into the names of the 118. He stated that it wasn't discussed and no one spoke about it at the meeting.