Programme to provide houses for low income families

P. P. G. Sugathadasa, Thihagoda group corr.

THIHAGODA: The Home Affairs Ministry will launch a project to solve the housing problems of low income families islandwide. The programme is underway in the Thihagoda, kamburupitiya and Kirinda-Puhulwella Divisioal Secretariat Divisions in the Matara district, said Home Affairs Minister Chandrasiri Gajadeera.

The Minister was addressing at the handing over of a new house constructed at a cost of Rs. 3 lakhs by the Welletota Pnanadassi Social Service Foundation to a low-income family in the Kitalagama Central Grama Niladari division.

More houses are under construction for selected families in Batuwita, Palatuwa, Kapuduwa, Pahalavitiyala West, Bandaththara, Naimbala and Kottewatta Grama Niladari divisions in the Thihagoda Divisional Secretariat area.

He said action has been taken to plant two coconut seedlings in each home garden in the Thihagoda, Kamburupitiya and Kirinda and Puhulwella Divisional Secretariat divisions. Over two thousand coconut saplings have been distributed among the residents for this purpose.

Chief Incumbent of Nagarukkarama ancient Buddhist temple and the president of the Welletota Pannadassi Social Service Foundation Ven. Angunna Badulle Gnanadassi Thera said philanthropists in the division extended their assistance for this purpose.

Thihagoda Divisional Secretary G. D. M. Wickremaarachchi, said the top priority has been accorded to infrastructure development in the division. Rehabilitation and reconstruction of undeveloped rural roads are nearing completion.

He thanked the minister for taking the initiative for the construction of permanent house for a houseless poorest family in every Grama Niladari Division in the Thihagoda Divisional Secretariat Division.

Retired Education Director H. W. Sirisena and several others also spoke.