Vedihiti Awarana scheme launched

Priyanka Kurugala

The National Secretariat for Elders has started a sponsorship scheme to make a monthly payment for elders and any organization or individual willing to support this scheme can do so, said National Secretariat for Elders Director J. Krishnamoorthy. She said the objectives of this program is to allow elders seek the support of others and provide them with their basic necessities in life.

Vedihiti Awarana is the name of this sponsorship program and those over 70 are eligible to receive this service.

Elders whose families are recipients of any other form of assistance, including Samurdhi can apply for this scheme, she said.

Divisional Secretaries and Social Services Officers should select the suitable elders for Vedihiti Awarana after verifying their backgrounds.

Final selection shall be done by the National Secretariat, for elders she said.

The monthly payment for these elderly people will not less than Rs 250.

Contributions should be Rs 3,000 for one year, Rs 6,000 for two years, Rs 8,500 for three years and Rs 11,000 for four years respectively, she said.

This is an Island-wide program and any person who would like to contribute could contact, Director, Vedihiti Awarana Sponsorship Scheme, National Secretariat for Elders, 150 A, L.H.P. Building, Nawala Road, Nugegoda.

The telephone numbers are 0112824082, 0112826750.