Compensation for Kalutara Boat Tragedy Victims

Kalutara  Katukurunda coast  tragedy   took place day before yesterday(19), while a group of  pilgrims  proceeded  for a Christian festival at Beruwala by boat. None of the passengers  were wearing  safety jackets during the journey. The boat was over loaded. Hence, it capsized in the middle of the sea taking 12 lives including children and injuring 20 personnel now being  treated in hospital.

Director General of the Disaster Managment Centre (DMC) G. L. S. Senadheera said that, according to present disaster management procedure, compensation can only be given to victims of natural disasters.

However, considering the gravity of the  incident and concerns expressed by the people , the subject minister proposed to submit  a cabinet paper today  to pay compensation for victims, who died and injured.