Singer funds elders’ foster programme

COLOMBO: Singer Sri Lanka donated Rs. 521,000 for the Foster Programme for Elders. It has been initiated by the National Council for Elders, under the purview of the Social Services and Social Welfare Ministry.

The cheque was handed over to Minister Douglas Devananda, at his office on Monday.

The programme is envisaged to make payments for selected 50 elders over 70 years who have no one to turn for help.

They will be assisted for three years at Rs. 250 per person per month.

The publicity campaign for this programme was borne by Singer (Sri Lanka) Ltd. Mahesh Wijewardhene, Commercial Director of Singer (Sri Lanka) played a main role in implementation of the programme.

There are 75 elders over 70 years under the Foster Programme for Elders, receive donations from individuals and organisations.

Destitute elders under the recommendation of the Divisional Secretaries are selected to be beneficiaries of the Foster Programme for Elders.

Minister Devananda requested philanthropists and organisations for their support towards the programme. Chandana Amarasinghe, Damayanthi Ranasinghe, Susanthi Rahulan, Indu Perera, from Singer Sri Lanka, V. Jegarasasingam, Ministry Secretary and Geethamani Karunaratne, Director, National Council for Elders also participated.