Building for mentally retarded children

K. A. Perera Wadduwa special corr.

A two storied building for mentally retarded children has been built with assistance from Netherland. The building of Sukitha children's home at Galpatha was opened recently.

Nearly Rs. 7.5 million was allocated by a private institute of Netherland. The building comprises a residential quarter for 40 mentally retarded children, a large kitchen with essential facilities, toilets and separate bathrooms.

President of the care for kids institute Harry Crates of Netherland and his wife A. H. Powermores participated in the opening ceremony. President of Sukitha Children's Welfare Association Sepala Atygala said he was able to obtain donations from well-wishers and collected more than Rs. 25 million to develop the home.

He said Harry Grates has assured Rs. 10 million to renovate and old building of Sukitha Children's Home, which is in a dilapidated condition.

He said not only the Sukitha children's Home but the Horana Sukitha Women's Vocational Training Centre also operates with assistance from philanthropists. Indradasa Hettiarachchi, former member of Sukitha Welfare Association also spoke.