Informing humanitarians worldwide 24/7 — a service provided by UN OCHA

Sri Lanka

Over 100 families received houses in Mullaithivu

Keppapilavu model village 2nd phase houses vested on public

Paddy lands released for cultivation

Under the second phase of the Keppapilavu model village constructions, newly constructed 101 houses were handed over to the beneficiaries at a function held at Keppapilavu village by the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence and Urban Development Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa yesterday (03rd April).

Mr. Rajapaksa symbolically handed over the keys of a new house to a beneficiary inaugurating the event. Commander of the Sri Lanka Army Lt Gen Daya Ratnayake District Secretary Mr. N Vedanayagam and governments agents were present at the occasion.

The financial allocations were provided by the Ministry of Resettlement for this worthy course. Labour and the civil engineering expertise had been provided by the troops serving under the Security Forces Headquarters Mullaitivu (SFHQ-MLT). Along with the project each family receives a land plot of 40 perches with a complete house. So far, government has successfully facilitated the resettlement for over 95% IDP's allowing to be settled in their their native lands.

Meanwhile, Mr. Rajapaksa also laid the foundation stone for the third phase of project which will be launched soon. According to the Sri Lanka Army sources, 66 houses will be constructed in the third phase and those will be vested on public in near future.

Speaking at the event Secretary Defence stated that, "Since the dawn of peace President's intention was to resettle displaced personnel with immediate effect". "Accordingly, majority of them were resettled in their own land premises successfully" He added.

Further he said that, "in the mean time, owing to some unavoidable circumstances some were resettled in model villages similar to Keppapilavu". He also said that, "the government has initiated various programmes to uplift the living standard of the people in former war theater.

Emphasizing on the duty of the government agents in area he said that, "officials must expedite the ongoing projects and should facilitate the people by paying attention into their issues".

Elaborating on the necessity of existence of adequate military establishments in North and East Mr. Rajapaksa said that, "terrorism would be reorganized and reactivated if ignored". "The mutual relationship and understanding between the military and the civil society should be strengthened by diminishing the language barrier". He stated.

Secretary Defence reiterated that, "in accordance with the visionary measures initiated by His Excellency the President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Tamil language speaking proficiency of the armed service personnel would be enhanced targeting a good service to the Tamil community".

Further speaking he said that, "their economy will be upgraded by enhancing career opportunities and allowing more room to buy their products in the market such as row vegetables and Fishing harvest".

"People's faith on the government and the armed forces is vital in view of the fact that they brought ever lasting peace to the country". "Irrespective of race and religion we all must unify under a one flag". Secretary Defence added.

In his concluding remarks Mr. Rajapaksa thanked the citizens for their presence at the event and also thanked SL Army for the social initiatives being carried out. During the session certificates of the released 98 acre paddy lands which have been dedicated for cultivation were also distributed among 29 farmers. Prior to departure Mr. Rajapaksa also exchanged views with the villagers and beneficiaries during the event.

Subsequently, Secretary Defence was explained on the on going development projects and plans in the area along with the prevailing issues by a high ranking military panel.

Large number of villagers and families of beneficiaries were present at the event.