(UTV|COLOMBO) – The Sri Lankan government has decided to give concessionary bank loans for people affected by communal riots in the central hills to rebuild their lives, the Xinhua reported.
Public Enterprise Development Minister Lakshman Kiriella said there were extensive damages to the houses and places of religious worship in the Kandy district of the central hills in Sri Lanka during the first week of March.
The minister said he had secured approval from the cabinet to give loans for the affected families to rebuild their livelihoods.
“Most affected people are businessman. Their business places have been set on fire during riots,” he said.
The minister said the state banks would cooperate with the ministry in issuing loans.
Investigations into the communal clashes, which left three people dead and several others injured, were still underway.
“We have arrested some people. More arrests will be made later,” the minister said.
[alert color=”faebcc” icon=”fa-commenting”]Keeping up to date with breaking news while you are on the move is now simple with UTV Alerts [textmarker color=”8a6d3b”]Type REG UTV and send to 77000[/textmarker] on your Dialog or Hutch mobile connection[/alert]