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| Thursday, 2 September 2004 |
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ANCL drought relief program launched by Nadira Gunatilleke The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Limited (ANCL) has launched a Community Welfare Service to assist drought victims in several areas in the country under the direction of ANCL Chairman Janadasa Peiris. The public can contribute to this drought relief program by donating cash or dry rations. The ANCL has opened a special division for this task. Donations can also be made to the ANCL branches at Nugegoda, Kandy, Kataragama and Anuradhapura. Cash donations can be made to the Bank of Ceylon, ANCL Branch. The account number is 3880-5. Money orders can be sent to the Secretary, Central Mail Exchange. The Sarasaviya newspaper will collect drought relief materials with the assistance of popular artistes. The ANCL will also make arrangements to collect rations through the employees of each newspaper. The collected material will be distributed among drought-stricken villages from the second week of September, 2004. The National Savings Bank (NSB), Ceylon Biscuits Limited and Lions Club 306 A will also join hands with the ANCL to implement the drought relief program. Relief will be provided to Kimbulakada, Mandagala and Sinnikulama villages located at Nachchaduwa Divisional Secretariat division in the Anuradhapura district, Siddayan Nagar, Erukkulampitiya (Nagawilluwa) and Manathivva villages located at Mundalama Divisional Secretariat division in the Puttalam district and Waduppipanmadu, Illuppekadawei and Kannanampichchi villages located at Mannthei zone in the Mannar district. Addressing a news briefing held at the ANCL yesterday, Director Editorial, ANCL, Karunaratne Paranawithana said that the ANCL always participates in social welfare activities and the provision of drought relief is not just a donation made for the needy and the helpless. "Those people were providing rice for the country before the drought. They have dignity. They are dignified people who are facing a temporary problem and therefore we should assist them without unnecessary publicity. Publicity will be given only to places and times where we will be collecting drought relief," he added. The ANCL has selected specific drought affected villages located in Anuradhapura, Puttalam and Mannar district to provide drought relief. All communities live in the selected villages. The ANCL selected those areas no other organisation has selected them. Lion Paddy Vithana said that as Sri Lankan citizens we have to help out fellow citizens. It is the responsibility of the people. The Lions Club also contributes to the construction of drinking water wells in the Monaragala district. There are about 45,000 Lions clubs all over the world and about 130,0000 Lions. The main intention of this organisation is serving to the needy people. Assistant General Manager (Business Development), National Savings Bank (NSB), Jagath Gamanayake said that as an institution that developed through public funds the NSB always contributes to social welfare programs. Managing Director, Ceylon Biscuits Limited, Janaka Botheju said that Ceylon Biscuits Limited always contributes towards similar programs and some of their agents have already offered transport facilities to transport drought relief. Prominent actress Nita Fernando said it is the people who take care of artistes and it the sole duty of the artistes and the general public to assist them in their hour of need. "Therefore I will extend my fullest support towards this program," she added. Director, ANCL, Ms.Nita Rathanapala delivered the welcome speech. Assistant General Manager, ANCL, D.M.P.A. Dassanayake delivered the vote of thanks. ANCL Chairman Janadasa Peiris, Chief Administrative Officer R. Hettiarachchi and several senior officials of the ANCL were also present. ANCL Chairman Janadasa Peiris donated a cheque for Rs.100,000 to the Assistant General Manager, ANCL to provide drought relief. |
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