Speaking at a media briefing in Colombo recently, Perera said that he had sought legal consultation of the international law firm - K & L Gates over the matter who in return had informed him that the case proved to be in his favour.

However, over the persuasion of the then opposition leader - Ranil Wickremesinghe, who cited that seeking legal redress would prove detrimental to the country and would tarnish its good name, I agreed and decided to wait, he said.

The media briefing also announced a programme providing relief to the persons in the North Province, East Province and North Central Province. The programme also includes the establishment of a Tourism School.

Perera said these provinces were focused because the people from them had ‘suffered more’ in the recent past due to issues such as the 30-year civil war and lack of clean water.

Ven. Sobhitha Thera and founder of the Sarvodhaya movement - Dr. A.T. Ariyaratne also attended the event.

Speaking, Ven. Sobhitha Thera said that although the war ended, the problems faced by these people were still far from ending.

The Thera also emphasised the importance of identifying the problems properly before providing solutions.

These peoples’ lives are filled with problems. We must share their burden, the Thero said.

Speaking, Dr. A.T. Ariyaratne said that all governments so far have failed to ensure clean water to these people.