He said the government’s efforts to uplift the economy were set back by the April 21 attacks. “We are trying to promote understanding, reconciliation and harmony between the communities without any discrimination. It is only then that we can improve our economic situation,” Prime Minister Wickremesinghe said.

He met the people who were affected by the bomb blast and expressed his sympathies and wished them a full and fast recovery. Later, he met the clergy at St, Mary’s Cathedral, Puliyantivu, Batticaloa. Former Eastern Provincial Councilor S. Sasitharan, Eastern Province Senior DIG Kapila Jayasekara, Batticaloa DIG S. Dayananda and members of the Security Forces were present.