The government yesterday granted Rs.121 million to 32 families who lost their houses due to Broadland Power Plant project in Kitulgala,a Power, Energy and Business Development Ministry source stated.
The compensation was given following an inspection toru made by Power, Energy and Business Development Minister Ravi Karunanayake early this year.
“When I visited this area two months ago, I assured that I will take measures to solve this problem. I promised that you will be able to genuinely celebrate this Sinhala and Hindu New Year. This problem was unattended for a long time. Some people were questioning me as how to solve this problem in a short period of time. This whole community was not pleased with how they were treated. But we are a political party that keeps our promises. So we solved this issue as promised,” Minister Karunanayake pointed out.
The families who lost their houses to the Broadland Power Plant which commenced in 2013 were not compensated until now.
Minister Karunanayake further said that he was handed over a ministry which was literary like a “ball of fire.”
“This is a trying time for all of us. I was given a ministry which is like a ball of fire. There has been no proper plan or vision for this ministry.
“There is no use of trying to put the blame on others. What is more important is to continue forward towards success. We have experienceed a power cut for 18 days now. The power cut will endfrom April 11,” Minister Karunanayake said.
Minister Karunanayake pointed out that there is a power shortage about 500 MW-600 MW in the country. He stressed the importance of implementing a system which will enable the country to generate electricity at the lowest cost possible.
“We want to win the confidence of our people. Though we faced some difficulties, we have assured people of their democratic rights. We are here to serve our country and we are bound to realise a brighter future for our people.” he pointed out.