The Sri Lankan Monitoring Mission which investigated into the incident has put the blame on the security forces.

Ministers .Jeyaraj Fernandopulle, Felix Perera and Rischard Badiudeen visited the area today and met the families of the victims.

Minister of Resettlement, Rischard Badiudeen told Sandesaya that President Mahinda Rajapakse directed them to go to Pesalia and hand over the compensation package to the families of the victims.

It was also agreed to provide eight thousand families in the Mannar area with dry rations for a week. The families in the Pesalai and Pallimunai area will receive dray rations for two weeks, Minister Badiudeen said.

Fishing ban lifted

The ministers also have decided to lift a fishing ban imposed on the fishermen in Mannar except Pesalai and Pallimunai with effect from Sunday.

They arrived at this decision following a meeting with officials in the area and commanders of security forces in the district, Minister Badiudeen said.

The ministers agreed to appoint a committee to take a decision on the fishing ban with regard to Pesali and Pallimunai areas.

The committee comprising of officials of the security forces, fisheries societies, and the GA and officials will take place on Sunday, he said.