They had gone there uninvited, in order to meet with minister Patali Champika Ranawaka.

Colombo mayor A.J.M. Muzammil saw them first and reprimanded them, saying they could not meet the minister.

However, the Meethotamulla homeless remained steadfast, waited there and met minister Ranawaka and said the Rs. 10,000 given by the state to repair their damaged homes was inadequate.

The minister gave no reply and went away.

Western province chief minister Isura Devapriya came to the scene and promised them to double the payment to Rs. 20,000 and also to make the money available by next Tuesday.

He told the deputy mayor to grant Rs. 15,000 of the payment by the CMC and said the provincial council would meet expenses for the balance Rs. 5,000 payment.

Some in the group did not agree to the proposition, whom the chief minister invited to his office for a talk.

Devapriya left the location amidst applause by the people.

Given below are pictures of the incident: