The custody or guardianship of children who lost their parents during the Koslanda tragedy will not be given to the relations until proper verification is complete, said Cabinet Spokesman and Mass Media and Information Minister Keheliya Rambukwella.
Addressing the Cabinet press briefing held at the Mass Media and Information Ministry yesterday, Minister Rambukwella said the government has decided to take legal custody of children who lost their parents following the landslide in Haldummulla area in Koslanda.
"Previous experiences, especially during the tsunami, there were instances when some of the orphaned children who were handed over to their relatives were found to have been mistreated. Therefore, the government is going to take responsibility for children who lost their parents as a result of the Koslanda disaster and relations will only be granted custody of these children only after concrete proof. That part has been very clearly stipulated by the government," said the Minister.
Minister Rambukwella stressed that the decision was taken during a special meeting chaired by President Mahinda Rajapaksa on the future of these children.
"Responding to a question raised by a journalist regarding the number of children who have become orphans due to this disaster, the minister said there are about 75 underage boys and girls registered as children who have lost their parents," the minister said.
"This figure is subject to change. There are so many complaints, counter complaints, counter allegations claiming that people who became victims of this disaster were not provided proper accommodation. But its too early to go into detail," the minister said.
http://www.dailynews.lk/?q=local/koslanda-tragedy-relatives-get-custody-children-after-verification
