Re-building the nation after Tsunami- Amunugama Says Co-operation is good at all levels

Finance Minister Dr. Sarath Amunugama said toay that there is a lot of co-operation between all parties, especially at the project implementation and ground level in re-building the nation after Tsunami. Amunugama paid a special tribute to all Sri Lankans and politicians for working together in affected areas.Responding to a question on , what steps the government had taken to get all parties on board to re-build the nation ; Amunugama said "We have set up structures at local levels, at Kachcheris and at divisional secretary level. Everyone is working well together and we don't have any problems."

Amunugama said at national level they have had consultations and the government has not received major complaints so far. "We may have differences on policy matters. But, the government is always ready to talk and engage others. We are always open for discussions" added Amunugama. Finance Minister also said that the government will stick by the 100 meter buffer zone. The Finance Minister pointed out that people who opposed the 100 meter buffer zone seem to be silent after the threat of a second tsunami recently. He considered it as an acceptance of the government's decision.

Answering a question on government's dealings with the LTTE and LTTE front Tamil Rehabilitation Organisation (TRO) in the rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts, Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar said "You are compelled to deal with these parties even if you don't like to, considering the monumental disaster our people faced after Tsunami. All our people will be treated equally. But, there will not be a sell out to the LTTE in this aspect. But, we have to be very practical" Secretary to the Ministry of Finance Dr P.B. Jayasundera and Mano Tittawella, Chairman of TAFREN also were associated with the two ministers, at the first media briefing held today to brief on Tsunami Rehabilitation and Reconstruction.

Khalid