FUNDED BY PRESIDENTIAL SECRETARIAT, WANNI TROOPS ERECT ONE MORE NEW HOUSE TO A DESERVING FAMILY

Lieutenant General Shavendra Silva, Chief of Defence Staff and Commander of the Army on the sidelines of his visit to the Security Force Headquarters - Wanni (SFHQ-Wanni) this morning (2) to closely evaluate developments and alert troops to the imminent cyclonic threats that could sweep across the Wanni region too by the same evening, was invited to warm an Army-built new house, jointly funded by the Presidential Secretariat and the Vavuniya District Secretariat for a deserving family in the general area of Muninurippu, Vavuniya.

Through the coordination of the District Secretariat, 14 Sri Lanka Artillery (SLA) troops of the 621 Brigade of the 62 Division on the guidelines given by Major General Priyantha Perera, Commander, Security Forces-Wanni completed the project, well ahead of the deadline with technical and engineering skills, provided by the troops, considering it as one more landmark project of the civil-military cooperation.

To-date Army troops in the Wanni have constructed 654 new houses for the underprivileged in remote areas, harnessing the support of donors, philanthropists, Sri Lankan expatriates, local businessmen, non-governmental organizations, donor agencies largely through personal contacts of Senior Officers serving the region.

The much-needed manpower for this construction work was closely organized and provided by the Civil Affairs Office of the SFHQ-Wanni after the helpless plight of the young beneficiary, Mrs M Suhanthani of Muninurippu was brought to the notice.

The warming of the new house was inaugurated by the day 's Chief Guest, Lieutenant General Shavendra Silva in keeping with Hindu rites and rituals after he was welcomed by the beneficiary on arrival at the location. After the religious blessings, Lieutenant General Shavendra Silva delivered the symbolic key to the recipient who was emotionally delighted and burst into tears in glee and gratitude. The Commander unveiled a plaque and marked the ceremonial opening. At the same occasion, SFHQ-Wanni using its own funds gifted her with a new refrigerator and a stock of other essentials as an appreciative gesture.

District Secretary for Vavuniya, Major General Priyantha Perera, Commander, Security Forces-Wanni, General Officer Commanding, 62 Division, 621 Brigade Commander, 14 SLA, Commanding Officer and Other Ranks who constructed the house were also associated with the simple warming ceremony.