President hands over houses to Jaffna IDPs

President Maithripala Sirisena handed over hundred houses to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Jaffna during a ceremony held in Keeramalai, Jaffna,yesterdayGovernment Information Department said.

The project was initiated in view of providing shelter to 971 displaced families who are presently living in IDP camps. Under the Phase - I, a total of 100 most deserving families received houses. Ministry of Defence together with Security Force Headquarters -Jaffna (SFHQ-J) successfully completed the Keeramalai housing project under the directions from the President.

Coincide to the opening, President also released 454 acres of land in the Palaly Army Cantonment area to the original owners.State Minister of Defence Ruwan Wijewardene and Secretary to the Ministry of Defence Eng. Karunasena Hettiarachchi were also present at the occasion. The Security Forces of Jaffna contributed to build 100 houses within four months.

Even though an each house valued over Rs 2 million, the military was able to complete a house at a cost of below Rs, 900,000, saving the government over Rs. 121 million rupees.

Each house build in a 540 sqft land is comprised with two bed rooms, a living room, dining area, kitchen, toilet and a bathroom. The housing scheme also includes community center, playground, nursery, fish market, police post and other necessary infrastructure facilities.

Minister of Prisons Reforms, Rehabilitation, Resettlement and Hindu Religious Affairs DM Swaminathan, State Minister of Child Affairs Vijayakala Maheswaran, Governor for Northern Province, District Secretary for Jaffna, Chief of Defence Staff, Army and Navy Commanders, Inspector General of Police, , state officials, Senior MoD officials and beneficiaries attended the ceremony.