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| Wednesday, 9 July 2003 |
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by Sarah McAllister The first ever global peace village in the world is soon to be constructed in Illukpitiya, Polonnaruwa, as part of the Rehabilitation and Resettlement Ministry and the Business and Professional Women (BPW) of Sri Lanka's collaborated attempt to bring relief to the thousands of people displaced by war. Rehabilitation, Resettlement and Refugees Minister, Dr. Jayalath Jayawardene, said at a press conference yesterday that the global peace village will not only provide permanent shelter for the refugees, but will utilise local resources and labour. The hallmark of the global peace village will be its ability to process as "an independent and sustainable entity", with both the assets of the village, and the income generated, shared among the community, he said. "The Sri Lankan government has provided 250 acres of land to be used for agricultural purposes and the construction of houses. Around 150 houses, renovated water tanks, a new irrigation system and dairy farmland will form the main structure of the village," he added. The Minister appealed to foreign diplomats and ambassadors attending yesterday's conference to donate the sums of $500 required to construct each proposed global village home. To obtain the global support needed to fund the project and raise awareness about their current charitable activity in war-torn northern Sri Lanka, BPW plans to host an international trade fair in the BMICH in October 2003. The fair will feature a festival of traditional Brides and Dances of the World. BPW was founded in 1919 by Dr. Lena Madesin Philips, in Missouri, USA. Janaki Gunawardane founded that the Sri Lankan branch of BPW in 1993 with the aim of improving the quality of living for women in this country. |
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