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| Tuesday, 10 June 2003 |
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by Ranil Wijayapala The Seva Vanitha Unit of the Sri Lanka Army along with other welfare organizations has embarked on a worthy cause of raising funds to build houses for the disabled soldiers and the next of kin of those killed and are Missing In Action. Addressing a press conference at the Army Headquarters, Army Seva Vanitha Unit President Gnana Balagalle said they have identified more than 5,000 soldiers who neither have a house nor a single inch of land as qualified persons to benefit from these housing projects. "As a welfare organization committed for the well-being of these young soldiers who have committed their lives for the betterment of the country, the Army Seva Vanitha Unit is doing its best to fulfil their needs", she added. She said the Seva Vanitha Unit has so far built 70 houses in different parts of the country spending between Rs.200,000 to 470,000 per house while conducting other welfare activities for the betterment of soldiers. She said the Seva Vanitha Unit has organized a Bridal Show and Puravesi Mela carnival at the end of this month to raise nearly Rs.3 million for the welfare activities scheduled for this year. The Bridal Show with a different outlook will be held at the Galle Face Hotel Colombo on June 29 from 5 pm onwards. Different individuals and private organizations have come forward to assist the Seva Vanitha Unit to make this event a success. The show will depict various Sri Lankan traditions of weddings at this show including a military wedding that will be a rare occasion for the general public. Professional models volunteered to assist the Seva Vanitha Unit and the sons and daughters of Army personnel will also model at this show. "There will also be stalls selling bridal items at the Galle Face Hotel prior to the commencement of the show", she added. The Puravesi Mela carnival will also be held at Sathutu Uyana of the Viharamaha Devi Park Colombo on June 21 and 22. The Mayor of Colombo has come forward to assist them after allowing them to use the Sathutu Uyana free of charge. There will also be stalls at the Puravesi Mela carnival and the Army band will play at the musical show each day. Defence Minister Thilak Marapana will be the chief guest on the first day of the carnival while Colombo Mayor Prasanna Gunawardene will grace the second day of the carnival as the chief guest. She said apart from the housing project, the Seva Vanitha Unit will also conduct pre-schools and day care centres for the children of Army personnel while assisting some personnel to undergo immediate surgeries or medical treatment." It is the duty of the citizens of the country to look after these disabled soldiers and loved ones of those who were killed and Missing In Action. We expect people will assist us in this endeavour as we undertook this task along with other welfare organisations even after sacrificing our husbands to the Army", she added. |
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