Ministry launches housing projects for soldiers

It is the duty of the Defence Ministry to look after the well-being and uplift the needs of soldiers who work tirelessly to defend and protect the country, Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa said.

He expressed these views at the 15th stage in the project to present loans for soldiers by the Defence Ministry at the Ministry of Defence, Public Security, Law and Order yesterday.

Forty two Armed forces and Police personnel were presented cheques. Rajapaksa said the Ministry of Defence has launched many housing projects for soldiers and handed over the houses free of charge to those excelling in the battlefield.

The other soldiers will be given an opportunity to purchase houses at an affordable rate, he said.

Seva Vanitha Unit Vice President Indu Rathnayaka said an interest free loan system has been commenced by the Seva Vanitha Unit and Rs. 3 lakhs can be obtained under the system.

The Seva Vanitha Unit of Defence Ministry under the guidance of its chairperson Ioma Rajapaksa has done much for the uplift of the soldiers' well-being, she said.

Meanwhile, Abans Ltd, Engineering Department of MAS Line Aqua Pvt Ltd, and the Vaniwallakaduwa Samanala Sport Society of Alauwa made donations for the welfare of the soldiers at the Ministry yesterday morning.

The donations were received by the chairperson of the Defence Ministry Seva Vanitha Unit Ioma Rajapaksa.

Abans Ltd donated a television and three DVD players to the Sunatha camp in Anuradhapura. MAS Line Aqua Pvt Ltd donated hand crutches worth Rs. 40,000. Vaniwallakaduwa Samanala Sport Society of Alauwa donated hand crutches worth Rs. 50,000 to disabled soldiers.