Hambantota district UNP MP Sajith Premadasa has disputed the government’s decision to set up a coastal buffer zone. At a recent Temple Trees meeting, the outspoken MP, had stressed that such decisions should not be taken from the comfort of air-conditioned offices or palatial Colombo residences.

Political sources said that Premier Mahinda Rajapakse met UNP and JVP representatives to tsunami relief, reconstruction and rehabilitation work, particularly in the Hambantota district.

Premadasa had emphasised that whether the government decided on a 100-meter buffer zone or extended it up to 300 meters such far reaching decisions shouldn’t be taken without consulting the affected communities.

Both the government and the UNP are sharply divided on the proposed buffer zone.