Mr. Channa Ranasinghe, Vice-President of the United Sri Lanka Assocation (New Zealand) visiting Dr. A.T. Ariyaratne at Sarvodaya Headquarters. He also met with Deputy Executive Director Subasena de Silva and Finance Director Saman Algoda. With an investment of Rs. 20 million, New Zealand has started a long-term rehabilitation and development project in the village of Weramulla, Kuleegoda. This is about 100 km south of Colombo, in Galle District.
Mr. Ranasinghe is planning to visit Weramulla with Sarvodaya officials to make the initial need assessment and development plan. He will also make a tour of the North-East on the 10th and 11th.
The United Sri Lanka Association organized fund-raising the day after the Tsunami and was the first to appear on Television with an appeal for Aid. That night staff stayed up printing labels and organizing placement of donation tills throughout Wellington. The nearby towns also helped collect towards the fund.
This is very much for the Sri Lankan children in New Zealand, so that they can feel some connection to the island and see something built by their effort. They helped to raise funds as well. The USLA will be in Sri Lanka to monitor and report on the disbursement of funds towards the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Weramulla.