‘Strengthening voluntary organizations, duty of all’

It is a responsibility and duty of all to strengthen the voluntary organizations network existing in the country from time immemorial rather than enabling certain non-governmental organizations to exploit the people, Construction, Engineering Services, Housing and Common Amenities Minister Wimal Weerawansa said.

He made this observation as chief invitee of the New Year festival organized by the Athurugiriya United Community Development Foundation recently. He said that community organizations in this country worked enthusiastically during the period of war for the welfare of soldiers.

They also rendered yeoman service for the welfare of villagers who had been affected by terrorism. Therefore, the minister added, the people’s duty should be to strengthen such organizations. A wheel-chair donation programme was also held to coincide with the New Year festival. This was attended by a number of politicians in addition to a large number of people