“Api Wenuwen Api” Housing Programme 13th Stage Completed
7:28am on Monday 19th August 2013
His Excellency Mahinda Rajapaksa the president of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka and the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces handed over the keys of 102 houses built in the Nuwaraeliya District under the 13th stage (16th District) of the “API WENUWEN API” housing project for war heroes” today (18th August 2012) at the Poramadulla Central College in Rikillagaskada.

The housing project was constructed under the guidance and close supervision of the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence and Urban Development Mr. Gotabaya Rajapakse and Chairperson of the Defence Ministry's Seva Vanitha Unit, Mrs. Ioma Rajapaksa.

In the true spirit of Nation building in a post conflict context, the Directorate of Civil Engineering of the Sri Lanka Air Force under took the construction of fifty two houses deploying a contingent of 350 Civil Engineering Trade personnel led by a Special Project Engineer, Fight Lieutenant WMDNC Andradi. The project commenced on 29 August 2012 and continued the construction almost around the clock to complete the project within a span of 12 months. SLAF Station Diyatalawa has contributed providing additional troops for the construction project whilst few SLAF Establishment viz. Vauniya, Hingurakgoda, Anuradhapura and Weerawila also contributed by providing Civil Engineering Trade Personnel to accomplished the project according to the scheduled timeframe.



Amidst chanting of Seth Pirith by the Maha Sangha the home of Sergeant Herath HMUAK of the Sri Lanka Air Force was ceremonially declared open by HE the President Mahinda Rajapaksa. This was followed by the traditional lighting of the oil lamp by the Chief Guest and other distinguished guests.  HE the President also declared open the two adjacent houses which were presented to Leading Aircraftman Bandara DWS of the Sri Lanka Air Force and Ordinary Seaman Weerakoon WMS of the Sri Lanka Navy.     

Subsequently, HE the President Mahinda Rajapaksa presented the keys to another 99 Ranaviru families, inclusive of household equipments and other gifts which include 102 potable water filters to 57 Army, 26 Navy and 16 Air Force personnel. Concurrent to the handing over of the houses, 267 gift bags, toys and stationery were presented to school children of the Rahathungoda Maha Vidyalaya by the President himself.

The Governor of the Central Province Hon Tikiri Kobbekaduwa welcomed the distinguished gathering whilst the Minister of Private Transport Hon CB Rathnayake also addressed those present. The key note address was delivered by the Secretary to the President Mr. Lalith Weerathunga and the vote of thanks was delivered by Flight Sergeant Rathnayake MSMK of the Sri Lanka Air Force which brought the function to an end.

Minister of Irrigation and Water Supply  Hon Nimal Siripala De Silva, Minister of Private Transport Services Hon CB Rathnayake, Minister of Public Management and Reforms Hon Naveen Dissanayake, Deputy Minister of Economic Development Hon Muthu Siwalingam, Former Chief Minister of the Central Province Sarath  Ekanayake, The Governor of the Central Province Hon Tikiri Kobbekaduwa, Members of Parliament, the Secretary to the President Mr. Lalith Weerathunga, the Secretary to the Ministry of the Defence and Urban Development Mr. Gotabaya Rajapakse, Chairperson of the Defence Ministry's Seva Vanitha Unit, Madam. Ioma Rajapaksa, the Vice President of Defence Ministry's Seva Vanitha Unit Mrs. Indu Rathnayake Chief of Defence Staff General Jagath Jayasuriya, Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Daya Rathnayake, Commander of the Navy Vice Admiral Jayanath Colombage, Commander of the Air Force Air Marshal Harsha Abeywickrama, Director General of Media Center for National Security Mr. Lakshman Hulugalle, Board of Directors of three Forcers, Chairperson of the Sri Lanka Air Force Seva Vanitha Unit Mrs. Neelika Abeywickrema Senior Officers of the Armed forces and Police together with a large gathering of parents and residents of the area also attended the event.

This event was organized jointly by the Ministry of Defence and the Sri Lanka Air Force. The SLAF commitment was successfully carried out under the direction of the Director of Welfare, Air Vice Marshal MLK Perera assisted by other Directorates of the Sri Lanka Air Force. A special word of appreciation should also be rendered to the Commanding Officer of Sri Lanka Air Force Station Pidurutalagala Squadron Leader IWDS Wickramaarachchi, Officers and the other ranks who were entrusted the task for all local arrangements and worked tirelessly to make this event a success.


 


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