UN and Presidential Secretariat Initiate ‘Clean Sri Lanka’ Dialogue

The “Clean Sri Lanka” Development Partner Dialogue, facilitated by the UN and Presidential Secretariat, sought international support for the initiative. Concurrently, discussions on national security and compensation for victims of the Easter Sunday attacks took place, with significant funds allocated for both initiatives, highlighting the government’s commitments to recovery and safety.

A Development Partner Dialogue, aimed at supporting the “Clean Sri Lanka” initiative, was organized by the United Nations in collaboration with the Presidential Secretariat on Thursday, 27th. The conference sought to engage participating representatives in providing proposals and support for this program. Notable attendees included various diplomatic missions, such as the British, Australian, Canadian, and Indian High Commissions, along with key international development organizations such as the World Bank and Asian Development Bank.

The discussions were also attended by officials from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment and Tourism. This event was structured into three main sessions to facilitate constructive dialogue between involved parties and emphasize the importance of collective efforts in advancing Sri Lanka’s clean-up initiatives.

In related news, President Anura Kumara Disanayake held a meeting with senior Sri Lanka Air Force officials to discuss the country’s current security situation on the same day. The discussions focused on enhancing the Air Force’s capabilities, particularly in maritime security within the Indian Ocean region, and addressed budgetary allocations from the recent national budget.

Furthermore, the Attorney General notified the Supreme Court that Rs. 245 million had been disbursed to victims of the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks as compensation. This amount stems from a January 2023 court verdict regarding the failure to prevent the attacks. Furthermore, out of a total compensation of Rs. 311 million, 412 individuals, including families of deceased victims, have received payments, with additional funds reserved for medical and elderly care needs.

Additionally, Government Whip Minister Nalinda Jayathissa reported that the government had dispensed Rs. 1.125 billion in compensation for houses destroyed in the previous year. This figure is supplementary to the Rs. 1.221 billion already allocated to politicians for similar damages, pointing to significant ongoing government efforts in response to the widespread destruction.

In summary, the recent Development Partner Dialogue emphasized international collaboration for Sri Lanka’s “Clean Sri Lanka” project, while substantial discussions were held regarding national security and the compensation for victims of tragic events. The government’s ongoing commitment to compensation payouts reflects its dedication to addressing the needs of affected individuals and communities.

Original Source: island.lk