The cutting down of trees, clearing of mountains, tea cultivations and gem mining by using backhoes etc should be completely banned in landslide prone areas, Labour and trade Union Relations Minister W.D.J. Seneviratne said.
Minister Seneviratne said it is the responsibility of all public servants to implement the collective decisions to provide relief for the flood affected people in bringing their life back to normal again.
Minister Seneviratne was speaking at a meeting at the Ratnapura District Secretariat recently.
The Minister pointed out that the Government will provide Rs.2.5 million (the maximum amount of money) to rebuild a house damaged by the recent floods. Compensation will be provided as soon as possible for the damaged houses.
Industry and Commerce Minister Rishad Bathiudeen provided Rs.200,000 each to two temples as compensation granted to Buddhist temples damaged by the floods.
National Co-Existence, Dialogue and Official languages minister Mano Ganesan was also present.