Elders’ home for retired workers opens next month courtesy Elpitiya Plantations
View(s):Elpitiya Plantations PLC has taken a gratifying step towards opening next month an elders home for retired workers of its Dunsinane, Sheen, Fernlands, Meddecombra, New Peacock and Nayapane Estates.
The elders’ home
The home, complete with all amenities and built at a cost of over Rs. 25 million, will be opened in October at Meddecombra Estate. It is a project undertaken by Elpitiya Plantations together with Fondation Abbe Pierre (a French donor agency) and facilitated by Programmes d’Aide et de Développement destinés aux Enfants du Monde (PADEM) of France, the plantation company said.
The elders’ home will house 40 occupants – 20 male and 20 female residents.
Constructed in a pleasant and eco-friendly environment aimed at enabling the elderly, retired workers to spend their ‘sunset years’ in a peaceful and healthy atmosphere, it will include recreation rooms with TVs, washrooms for the disabled with hot water and other amenities, gardens with walkways and ponds and a modern kitchen, the company said.
Residents of the elders’ home will be provided meals, including nutrition supplements and medical facilities completely free-of-charge, with funds from Elpitiya Plantations and contributions from well-wishers.
“At Elpitiya Plantations we take our obligations towards our workers very seriously, even when they are no longer part of our workforce,” noted Executive Director of Elpitiya Plantations, Tony Goonewardena. “The home for the elderly and retired underscores our commitment to our workforce.” He said the home initiative is part of a wider programme by the company to improve living conditions of workers by upgrading facilities of their present accommodation.