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President and Opposition Leader discuss rebuilding
people's lives |
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The
Leader of the Opposition Ranil Wickremesinghe and the UNP's
Deputy Leader Karu Jayasuriya called on President Chandrika
Bandaranaike Kumaratunga yesterday.
The leaders discussed ways and means of the opposition
extending its co-operation to the Government in carrying out
the task of providing immediate relief to and rebuilding the
lives of those deprived of their livelihood in the recent
disaster.
They also discussed the reconstruction of the damaged areas
of the country. The President pointed out that many
initiatives have been taken in this respect. Task Forces
have been charged with the responsibility of producing a
comprehensive plan within the next few days.
Among the ideas which emerged in the course of the
discussion were the involvement of all stakeholders,
including the NGOs and other civic groups in the planning
and implementation of a national strategy for recovery.
The President expressed the desirability of
establishing transparency and accountability on the part of
all concerned for the disbursement of funds which are
flowing in large amounts into the country.
The Leader of the Opposition stated he would be present at
the meeting of the National High Level Committee for
Disaster Relief scheduled for Monday, January 17. It was
also agreed the two leaders of the UNP would hold frequent
talks with the President, who encouraged them to bring to
her notice matters which require urgent consideration.
Associated with the President were Foreign Minister Lakshman
Kadirgamar and the Secretary to the President W.J.S.
Karunaratne. |
           
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