Pace of relief operations in East slow- UNP

[TamilNet, Saturday, 22 January 2005, 21:10 GMT]
United National party (UNP) Deputy leader and Gampha District Parliamentarian Karu Jayasuriya, after visiting the south eastern coastal areas, said Friday, "Though several thousands of lives have been lost in the disaster it is creditable that rescue operations have been almost completed in the South. However I am concerned and distressed to note, having seen at first hand, that in the east we have yet some way to go before we complete the rescue and clearing efforts."

A delegation led by Karu Jayasuriya, comprising former Ministers P. Dayaratne and A.H.M. Azwer also visited Batticaloa to ascertain the destruction caused by the Tsunami.

The delegation visited Onthachchimadam, Kaluwanchikkudi, Palamunai, Valaichenai, Navalady, Dutchbar, and Ottamavady areas in Batticaloa.

The delegation also stopped at the Batticaloa Kachcheri and had discussions with the Government Agent V.Shanmugam, Tamil national Alliance (TNA) Parliamentarian T. Kanagasabhai and other officials.

Karu Jayasuriya further said, "We are co-operating with the Government in carrying out the relief operation. If the relief tasks are not carried out properly, we will not hesitate to withdraw our support. We have seen for ourselves that heavy machinery urgently needed for rescue and clearing operations have not been provided to the East.

The Government Agent has given a detailed report to us. We shall present our own report along with the GA's letter to the Tsunami Disaster Relief Task Force.

Parliamentarian Kanagasabhai briefed the delegation on the need for providing the machinary and other supplies without any delay Mr.Azwer also spoke.