The government has already taken several remedial measures
to address the needs of the people whose lives have been devastated by the December
26th disaster caused by the tsunami tidal waves. Aid from friendly nations is
also flowing in.
President Chandrika Kumaratunga yesterday (December 28) met Colombo's elite
business community and sought their assistance to continue the relief activities
uninterrupted. Many prominent business leaders representing the Banking, Insurance,
Tourism, Garments, Airlines, and Trading industries were present at yesterday's
discussions.
President Kumaratunga explained to them that the government's
intention to accelerate the redevelopment of
the affected areas by appointing seven Task
Forces. The President appealed to the business
community to work in partnership with these
committees and also make their contribution.
The Task Forces will oversee the areas of housing
and urban planning, highways, railways, schools,
healthcare services including hospitals, tourism,
electricity and telecom. The business community offered work in conjunction with the
Task Forces and extend their utmost support.
They said have already taken short- term measures
to grant immediate relief to the affected.
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