President handed over the cash cheques as compensation payment for the families of five mine workers who died or suffered permanent injuries in a landslide at a gem mine in Lunugalka and a poisonous gas leak in a mine at Gilimale.
The families of the dead victims were paid Rs 500,000 each.
Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya and Gem And Jewellery Authority Chairman Aruna Gunawardane were also present on this occasion.