SPUR concert raises Rs 1.6 m for Api Wenuwen Api Fund

The Society for Peace, Unity and Human Rights for Sri Lanka (SPUR) handed over a cheque for Rs 1,662,224 to Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa as a contribution towards the 'Api Wenuwen Api' Housing Project for soldiers.

SPUR, has been in the forefront in countering LTTE misinformation on Sri Lanka and contributing to welfare projects in Sri Lanka since 1995, organised and held a musical concert in Melbourne on May 16 to raise funds for 'Api Wenuwen Api'.

An up and coming musical group 'Hela Shakthi', consisting of young Sri Lankans who have come together through their love for music and their motherland, joined SPUR in this endeavour.

The concert commenced with a two minute silence to honour servicemen and women who sacrificed their lives in defending the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the motherland and the civilians who were victims of LTTE terrorism. This was followed by the lighting of the traditional oil lamp.

Joining Hela Shakthi on stage was a wealth of talent in both singing and dancing. Two well known artistes from Sri Lanka performed at this event. One of them was the differently abled soldier-singer, Colonel Rajitha Ampemohotti of the Sri Lanka Army Ranaviru Band, who was specially invited for this musical concert.

The other was singer Malith Perera.

They were ably supported by popular Melbourne singers Athula Leuke Bandara, Sewwandika Abeyratne, Ruvini Dunuwille, traditional dance specialist Keshala Aparakka as well as several others.

One of the first SPUR initiatives was to donate ten Australian 'Sniffer Dogs' to assist Sri Lankan security forces in the detection of suicide bombs and hidden explosives. Later, through fund raising projects like 'Sapumal Vyaparaya', 'Deya Sarana' and many others, SPUR provided thousands of dollars in contributions towards the Ranaviru Apparel Factory in Yakkala, the hostel constructed for the use of visiting Ranaviru families, donations of equipment to Ranaviru Sevana, artificial limbs and wheelchairs for the disabled, hospital equipment, emergency packs, foot spray, drinking water and many other items large and small.

SPUR also commenced a program to sponsor children of disabled and deceased soldiers to continue their education.

This on-going program has now been expanded to include children in remote victimised by terrorist activities as well as children of other destitute families.