Protesters surround Hambantota Administrative Complex

COLOMBO (News 1^st) - A protest was held outside the Hambantota Administrative Complex today (June 25), demanding that compensation be paid for lands acquired by the state. The demonstrators state that the promised compensation for lands which were acquired by the state in order to develop the Sooriyawewa-Hambantota Road also known as the 100 foot road in 2014 have not yet been paid. 438 people lost their homes and lands as a result of this project. The demonstrators have been engaged in a hunger strike for four days now, demanding compensation which was promised. The demonstrators marched from Sooriyawewa to the Hambantota Administrative Complex. A few hours later, the demonstrators entered the complex. A regional development committee meeting was underway at the time. The police intervened to stop the demonstrators from entering the hall where the meeting was taking place. Subsequently, Minister Mahinda Amaraweera intervened and held talks with the protesters. He stated that at a previous hunger strike they intervened and paid the compensation that was due. He said that they paid out Rs. 204 million rupees, however, the demonstrators  are charging that the money went to those who were at the business level and that the people who were engaged in the hunger strike didn't receive any money. The minister stated that they had requested for a report in this regard and assured the protesters that if a mistake had been made they would take steps to rectify it. The minister added that he would take steps to obtain the required funds through cabinet and provide compensation to the public. The protesters dispersed following an assurance by the Minister.