PNM initiates special programme to safeguard EP villages

Uditha Kumarasinghe

COLOMBO: Patriotic National Movement (PNM) has initiated a special programme to safeguard nearly 300 villages in the Eastern Province against the LTTE threats.

The PNM has already commenced a fund raising campaign and collecting material to provide immediate assistance to the people living in these villages, PNM President Dr.Gunadasa Amarasekera told a media briefing yesterday.

"Because of these villages, the LTTE has not been able to expand their boundaries. If the villagers leave, there is an imminent threat from the LTTE to invade these villages," he said.

He said immediate measures have to be taken to safeguard these villages and uplift the living conditions of the people in those areas.

PNM National Organiser Senaratne de Silva said it is a national duty to safeguard nearly 300 villages in the Eastern Province and Puttalam district.

The PNM has already launchd a proramme to raise funds for this programme.

Initially, the PNM started to collect funds opposite Pettah Bo tree on Monday. There was a good public response and donations to this campaign.

He said the PNM has made arrangements to sell tickets to raise funds at religious places such as Anuradhapura, Mihintale, Sithulpahuwa, Mahiyangana and Kalutara Bo tree on June 11.

In order to raise funds for this welfare programme, the PNM has opened a special bank account at People's Bank Borella branch under the account number 078100123076756.

Those who wish to contribute to this programme can also contact the PNM on Tel-0714297337.