(UDHAYAM, COLOMBO) – The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the provisions of 100,000 rupees to the next of kin of the victims of the Payagala boat capsize on Sunday (19th).
The Cabinet also approved a 20,000 rupee compensation fee for those who sustained injuries in the boat capsize.
Minister of Disaster Management Anura Priyadarshana Yapa speaking in Parliament this afternoon said circulars in this regard have not been issued, adding he tabled a Cabinet paper before the Ministers today in order to obtain approval for compensation.
The Minister said the compensation fees will be handed over tomorrow. Another individual who was hospitalized after sustaining critical injuries passed away this morning bringing the death toll to 12 with 32 injured.
Police said it has received information regarding 4 persons who are still missing.
Search operations have been launched to find the missing persons.
The number of passengers on board is still unclear but unofficial reports suggest around 40 persons were onboard.
The boat was carrying a group of pilgrims engaged in a religious practice when it capsized around 9.30am on Sunday.
