Forty-four persons from the Galewela Divisional Secretariat whose homes were completely destroyed by Cyclone Ditwah were recently granted land under a programme attended by Minister of Agriculture, Lands, Livestock and Irrigation Lal Kantha on 24 April.

The land plots were allocated from property belonging to the National Housing Development Authority in the Hanthana area. Authorities said plans were in place to construct houses on the lands within the next four months.

A compensation payment of Rs. 5 million granted by the Government is to be disbursed in instalments through the Pathahewaheta Divisional Secretariat.

Addressing the event, Minister Lal Kantha said the beneficiaries could be pleased to receive land in a high-value area such as Hanthana in Kandy District. He added that those requiring assistance for house construction would also be provided free technical support through the National Housing Development Authority.

The event to hand over grant certificates relating to the land deeds was held at the auditorium of the Kandy District Secretariat.

Among those in attendance were Kandy District Members of Parliament Thanura Dissanayake and E.M. Basnayake, as well as Kandy District Secretary Indika Udawatta and several Government officials.