Cyclone Ditwa compensation has triggered debate after NPP MP Ruwan Mapalagama said unaffected villagers now feel they missed out.
Cyclone Ditwa compensation has sparked an unusual public debate after National People’s Power (NPP) MP Ruwan Mapalagama claimed some villagers are upset because they were not affected by the disaster.
Speaking on a Sirasa Television program, the MP said an unprecedented situation had emerged in villages following the recent cyclone.
According to him, some people now regret that their homes were not flooded, because affected families are receiving government compensation.
“After a natural disaster, people in our villages are sad that they were not affected by the disaster. That is, they are sad because their house did not get flooded,” Mapalagama said.
He said the reason for this attitude is the compensation distribution system.
“When a neighbour’s house gets flooded, they receive Rs. 25,000. In addition, a separate amount is given to purchase household appliances. Seeing these compensation payments, people regret missing out on that opportunity,” he added.
