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Saturday Dec 14, 2024
Friday, 7 November 2014 00:01 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Q: What are the latest developments with regard to the Koslanda landslide?
A: We are compelled to halt rescue operations from time to time due to bad weather conditions. The NBRO has warned of another possible landslide. Considering these factors, we are unable to carry out rescue operations efficiently. However, we have not completely stopped rescue work. Meanwhile, relief operations are being carried out successfully. The Government has taken every possible measure to take care of the affected people, especially the children. Although certain people try to point fingers at the Government claiming we have failed to handle the situation properly, I think it was handled very well.
Q: What is the official death toll? How many people are missing?
A: According to the Disaster Management Centre, 12 dead bodies have been recovered. The total number of missing persons was 44 as of Wednesday (5).
Q: Figures relating to the dead and missing remain obscure. There is a disparity between the numbers given by the DMC and the Police. How would you describe this situation?
A: The Police initially said 17 people were missing. But the DMC clearly said we were unable to give an exact number. This was the reason why we only provided an estimated figure. After carefully investigating the situation, we are now able to give a correct number. The DMC is the authorised body and our figures are accurate. In the last couple of days we experienced that the Police too is now quoting our numbers. However, we should not be arguing about this because both institutions are Government bodies.
Q: Although warnings were issued to the people to evacuate the area in 2005, they were not provided alternate housing. Why?
A: These people have been warned of an impending disaster in 2005 and 2011. A warning was issued on the previous day of this unfortunate incident. There are two issues. The estate company claims that though alternate lands were given, these people refused to leave the area. But we are still doubtful about certain important facts. On the other hand, there is confusion about the warning issued on the day before the landslide. We are now carrying out an investigation.
I met people affected, they confirmed that a warning was given a day before the landslide. Unfortunately the landslide happened when they were packing their bags to leave. Some said they sent their children to school hoping that once the children returned they could leave. There were people who left the area soon after the warning and returned on the morning of the landslide.
However, people knew exactly what measures should be taken and where to go for shelter in the event of a landslide. They were informed of two evacuation centres where they could go for safety during such instances.
I personally believe that we should not jump to any conclusions because there is an ongoing investigation. Once the investigation is over we can see what has actually happened. The Ministry of Disaster Management is carrying out one investigation and President Mahinda Rajapaksa has instructed the Inspector General of Police to provide a comprehensive report on this incident.
Q: Are you denying accusations that these people were not provided alternative land?
A: That is a false accusation. According to the Government Agent and the estate company, alternate lands were provided but people refused to evacuate the area. The people too have confirmed that half of them were given land. Others were unable to leave since they were not provided with such a facility. The question is why the people who were given land refused to leave.
Q: What actions will be taken against the Maskeliya Plantation Company for their failure to evacuate people following the warning?
A: I personally feel there were shortcomings. Since there is an ongoing investigation, I cannot make any comments, but based on the findings of the investigation we will not hesitate to take necessary action.
Q: How prepared is your Ministry to face a similar disaster in the near future?
A: Fighting a calamity of this magnitude is not easy. These lands are not suitable for residence. During the colonial period people were asked to set up houses in these lands, but these lands were actually forest reserves. When people set up houses, they were unaware of the future dangers. We are talking about thousands of acres of land and it is not easy to remove people from these lands, but we have identified the lands with highest risk. People in these lands will be provided housing facilities immediately.
The plantation companies have a bigger responsibility in this regard than the Government. Following the involvement of President Rajapaksa, these companies have agreed to work according our instructions. We learn that in the past the majority of these companies did not provide suitable land. But in future we will not hesitate to take over companies that fail to work according to our instructions.
Q: Do you have the required monetary funds to carry out these programs?
A: At the Cabinet meeting, the President assured he would provide the funds. Our task is to evacuate people living in danger areas. But more than the funds what we require is coordination of plantation companies. Meanwhile, Government institutions such as the Housing Development Authority and the Urban Development Authority too need to support us in this endeavour. This is a team work. Our main goal is resettling people living in the highest danger areas and we need to initiate this immediately and complete at least by next year.
Q: Why did you refuse to accept any foreign and local assistance?
A: The Government is capable of taking care of the affected people. We don’t want people and organisations both locally and internationally making use of this situation. That is why we have clearly said we don’t need any assistance.
Q: What action will be taken about the children affected by the landslide?
A: A total of 75 children are affected by the landslide. Three children have lost both their parents and four children have lost a parent. The Government will be in charge of their custody. We will open individual bank accounts and provide financial assistance until they complete their higher education. If anyone wants to provide assistance or scholarships, they are most welcome to do so through Government agencies.
