Lankans in US contribute Rs.12 million for Api Wenuwen Api programme

Sri Lankans domiciled in the US have contributed Rs. 12 million towards the 'Api Wenuwen Api' programme initiated by the Government under its 'Ranaviru Gammana' concept of building 50,000 houses for war heroes.

The cheque was handed over to President Mahinda Rajapaksa at Temple Trees by Dr. Mohan Kumararatne, President 'Ranaviru Sangamaya' in US yesterday.

Sri Lanka Consul General in Los Angeles Jaliya Wickramasuriya was also present on the occasion. The Ranaviru Sangamaya in US set up by Sri Lankans domiciled there, had raised this money by holding charity cultural and Musical shows.

It has made various contributions towards the welfare of war heroes on several earlier occasions too. A press release by the Presidential Media Unit said arrangements have made to build 5000 houses for war heroes at Ipalogama in Anuradhapura district under first stage of this programme and work on 1620 houses were nearing completion. Each house built in a 'Ranaviru Gammanaya' replete with all infrastructure facilities is estimated to cost Rs. 2.4 million.

A house is given to a war hero at a reduced cost of Rs. 800.000 on a rental to be paid in instalment basis over a period of 20 years.

The Government spent Rs. 1 million on each house and the balance cost from contributions made by the private sector and other donors.