Oct 19, Colombo: Families in Meethotamulla, a locality in Sri Lanka's commercial hub, Colombo, have demanded for more relief from the authorities after being displaced due to an oversized garbage dump.

Close to 50 houses located near the garbage dump have collapsed displacing the families.

The families have however rejected the relief package offered by the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) saying the monies were insufficient.

The CMC at a special meeting recently had decided to grant a relief allowance of Rs 10,000 per month per family for a year until permanent housing is provided to them in the Kolonnawa area.

The CMC had also decided as a special concession to pay three months relief allowance of Rs 30,000 on October 22.

Housing and Construction Minister Wimal Weerawansa and Colombo Mayor A.J.M. Muzammil had yesterday explained to the displaced people the relief that would be offered to them.

Minister Weerawansa promised to provide temporary houses to those who are facing the threat of losing houses due to the garbage issue.

All measures will be taken to build permanent houses for them in the Kolonnawa area, the Minister has assured.

Meanwhile, construction of temporary houses for the displaced families in a state land in Kolonnawa has already commenced.