Loss of life compensation claims 388 Pending

Mr. K.G. Dharmatilake, Additional Secretary to the Ministry of Defense, stated that out of 646 people who lost their lives due to the disaster caused by the Diwa cyclone, 634 have qualified for death compensation, and as of the 16th of last month, 246 of them have been paid Rs. 174,100,010 as compensation.

He also mentioned that the percentage of compensation paid is 38.80 percent, and another 388 are yet to receive death compensation. He added that compensation cannot be provided to some individuals due to several reasons, including the absence of qualified beneficiaries for the deaths of certain individuals.

Meanwhile, he also stated that Rs. 186 million has been provided to 93 beneficiaries for full house damages and Rs. 62,884,497 to 1040 beneficiaries for partial house damages. Mr. Dharmatilake said that 195,241 children have qualified to receive the Rs. 15,000 provided for school supplies for children affected by the Diwa cyclone, and as of the 16th of last month, benefits have been paid to 138,680 of these children, which is 71.03 percent. He also mentioned that 428,084 people have qualified to receive the Rs. 25,000 allowance provided for house reconstruction, and the amount has been paid to 416,310 of them, with the percentage being 97.24 percent.

Meanwhile, he said that 160,471 people have qualified to receive the Rs. 50,000 provided for house reconstruction, and benefits have been provided to 199,012 of them, with the percentage being 68.49 percent.