Community Buildings worth 14 million rupees aiding over 2500 people, vested in the public
29/04/2014 – Northern Sri Lanka: Four community halls and a library worth 14 million rupees; assisting over 2500 people built in Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu districts supported by the Sri Lanka Red Cross Society (SLRCS) and the International Federation of Red Cross & Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) was vested in the public on 28th April 2014.
This is a part of the long-term assistance programme of the Post Conflict Recovery Programme of the Red Cross that began in 2010.
Mr. Jagath Abeysinghe the President SLRCS, Mr. S. Tharmarathnam Chairman, Killinochchi Branch, Dr. Kanaian Akilan Chairman Mullaitivu branch, Mr. Tissa Abeywickrama the Director General of the SLRCS and Mr. Igor Dmitryuk Head of Delegation of IFRC together with Mr. Keetheswaran, Deputy Director of Planning on behalf of District Secretary Kilinochchi, Grama Niladharies, Samurdhi Niladharies, Economic Development Niladharies and Heads & members of Rural Development Societies, attended the handing-over Ceremony.
The people living in these areas have been resettled with the cessation of the conflict that prevailed over 30 years, and many of these communities are originally from the Central Province, and settled in these areas in the 1970’s. Addressing the gathering the President of SLRCS continued to assure the support of the Red Cross to the people who are trying to get their lives back on track.
“We understand your needs and we are doing everything in our power to ensure that you get the very best we can offer so that you and your children will be able to live a dignified life”.
The community halls were constructed in Krishnapuram & Ambalkulam in Kilinochchi district and another two community centers in Murukandi & Thachchadampan in the Mullativu district. A library was also constructed in Indupuram in the Oddusudan DS Division of the Mallativu district.
“Providing such facilities everywhere is a daunting task to Sri Lanka, since it has been ravaged by a prolonged conflict existed over 30 years, we will strive for a continuous assistance to vulnerable communities irrespective of geographies whenever such a need arises in the country” said the Director General of SLRCS, Mr. Tissa Abeywickrama.
“Red Cross; being an auxiliary to the government authorities in the humanitarian field, has been supporting the IDPs throughout the conflict time, and in early 2010 we initiated a recovery program for 3000 families to rebuild their lives and by today we have increased our task to many families; not an easy task yet we will reach it with perseverance and with the support from our donors and partners” he further said.
For more information on the Post Conflict Recovery Programme of the Red Cross please log on to our website www.redcross.lk/idp