Press briefing of Cabinet Decision taken on 2020-11-30

Providing relief to those who have been affected due to Weras Ganga Storm water Drainage and Environment Improvement project

- Construction work of the Weras Ganga Storm water Drainage and Environment Improvement project has been inaugurated in 2013 with the objective of flood control in Colombo and suburbs, improvement of environmental systems, conservation of wetlands, conservation of sanctuaries as well as expanding the cannel system. Actions have been taken to compensate 80% of the value recommended by the Department of Valuation for the buildings and other constructions which will be affected by the said project and to pay a housing rental for obtaining temporary housing facilities for a period of 06 months for the people whose residences are totally evacuated under the project. The lands required for the project have been acquired by now and the construction work is scheduled to be concluded by the year 2020.

The Cabinet approved the proposal made by the Hon. Prime Minister in his capacity as the Minister of Urban Development & Housing for further payment of housing rental paid for residing in temporary houses for an additional period until compensation is paid at a time the payment of statutory compensation decided for them is delayed more than 06 months due to unavoidable reasons and to pay 100% of the total estimated amount recommended by the Department of Valuation for the construction houses and buildings that are totally evacuated.