President opens Ipalogama Ranaviru City

Rasika Somarathna in Ipalogama

President Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday opened the 'Ranajayapura Ranaviru City' for war heroes consisting of 1,509 houses with infrastructure, in Ipalogama, Anuradhapura.

The houses and other facilities were vested with the war heroes during a proud but simple ceremony.

The 'Ranajayapura' located in a scenic setting close to the historic Kalawewa is considered the largest of its kind dedicated for war heroes and has been built in accordance with a concept by President Rajapaksa.

This is the first step in a much larger program where the President has drafted the required plans for the immediate construction of 50,000 houses under the Ranaviru Village concept. The concept of Ranaviru village and other enhanced welfare facilities is embedded in the Mahinda Chintana which is the cornerstone for a new Sri Lanka.

The mini city which meets all the needs of the members of Armed Forces such as health, education, sports, Banks, etc. has been completed under the guidance of the Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa. The Government has spent Rs four billion for the project.

The building of a complete city for war heroes who contributed their share to unite the country ending the three decade war under the direction of the President will go in to history as a significant occasion.

The Ipalogama Ranajayapura spans over 180 acres. Each house stands on a 10 perch block of land is worth Rs. 2.5 million and has all the modern facilities. The town has a school, a hospital, play ground, IT facilities, carpeted roads, IT centres, a fully equipped Super Market, Banks etc.

Financial assistance has come from the Api Wenuven Api fund launched with the mediation of Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa. Security Forces personnel themselves has lent their hand for construction work. This is the first time that such a mega housing program has been mooted on behalf of the war heroes.

During the ceremony the President initially handed over the keys to 100 recipients chosen from all sections of the Security Forces.

Later the President, Ministers and other distinguished invitees mingled in the gathering to distribute keys to the joyous recipients. The beaming faces of the gallant Security Forces recipients and their families said it all.

The event was also attended by the Clergy, a large number of Cabinet Ministers, Tri-Forces Commanders, the IGP, Chief of Civil Defence Force, Defence Secretary and Officials of the Defence Ministry , area political leaders including the NCP Governor and the Chief Minister along with other high ranking members of Security forces and their family members were in attendance.