MEMBERS of the Sri Lankan community in Washington DC area raised thousands of dollars on Saturday for a housing programme that will help members of Sri Lanka’s armed forces buy homes.
The July 18 event occurred simultaneously at the homes of Ambassador Jaliya Wickramasuriya and five diplomats assigned to the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Washington, DC.
The diplomats invited local Sri Lankans to their homes to enjoy traditional food and learn about the Ministry of Defense’s Api Wenuwen Api Ranaviru Housing Project Fund.
Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Sri Lanka’s Secretary of Defence, spoke to the crowded house party simultaneously via a Webex internet link. He also answered questions from guests about the housing programme and the successful conclusion of the nearly 26-year-long conflict with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam.
"Because of all their hard work, it’s very important to meet their every need," Defense Secretary Rajapaksa said of the armed forces members. "We need to remember the people who have lost their lives for the sake of the country."
Defense Secretary Rajapaksa thanked those who gave to the housing project and said that more homes were under construction for, "our war heroes." The programme also helps families of soldiers killed in the conflict.
He added that schools with gymnasiums, auditoriums and computer labs were under construction in the villages of returning soldiers. (Courtesy: The Island)
