Three major service projects for tsunami affected families

by P. Krishnaswamy

Lions International President Lion Dr.Ashok Mehta who was here at the invitation of District Governor Lion Rohantha de Fonseka of Lions International District 306 A 2 inaugurated three major service projects on December 13, 2005, for tsunami affected families of Bandaragama area.

He and other dignitaries who were present on the occasion laid foundation stones for an Elders' Home at Alubomulla, Pamunugama, a Diabetic Centre at the Bandaragama Government Hospital and a Community Centre and Vocational Training Centre at the partly completed Walgama/Bandaragama Housing Project for 70 families. Funds for the Community Centre and Vocational Training Centre has been donated by the Lions International District 105 C (UK).

The dignitaries included Vice President of the Lions Clubs International Lion Mahendra Amarasuriya (the International President-elect for the Lionistic year 2006/2007), Past District Governor Gordon Lazenby of Lions Club Yorkshire/North Derbyshire, UK and Multiple Council Chairman Lion S.Sivanathan.

At all three inaguration ceremonies, which were colourful and well attended, the dignitaries were received with garlands and bouquets and were taken in procession with Kandyan dancers and drummers. The proposed Elders Home will accommodate 20 inmates with all facilities and the total estimated cost is Rs.10 million and land for this has been donated by well wishers of the area.

The estimated cost of the Diabetic Centre is Rs.02 million. The land for the housing project at Walgama/Bandaragama has been donated by the Government and total cost of construction of the housing units is Rs.35 million, according to Lions sources. All three projects are expected to be completed before June 2006, the sources said.

Of the planned total 70 independent housing units under the Walgama/Bandaragama Housing Project, 20 units which have already been completed were handed over to the respective recipients. Token presentation of the start up kits each valued at Rs.20,000 consisting of household goods, furniture and utensils were also handed over to the recipients.

These start up kits have been donated by the Dutch Lions. Prizes were presented to winners of the Peace Poster Contest conducted by the Lions District 306 A 2.

Under projects to assist tsunami victims, the Lions District 306 A2 has also launched housing projects in Hambantota (200 houses), Matara (175 houses) and Kahandamodera (35 houses). The total estimated cost of all these housing projects is Rs.500 million, Dist.Governor Lion Rohantha de Fonseka said.

PDG Gordon (Gordy) Lezenby who participated in all inauguration functions told the 'Daily News' that the Lions leaders of Sri Lanka are respected all over the world and it was to their pride that an International President has paid a visit here as well as the present International Vice President Lion Mahendra Amarasuriya is to become the Interrnational President for the Lionistic Year 2006/2007.

In the context of the Lions' objective of creating peace and understanding among the peoples of the world, the Lions leaders are also capable of playing a significant role towards restoring peace and harmony in the strife torn island, he said.