President Gotabaya Rajapaksa last Sunday vested in the people the “Kanugahawewa Model Village” constructed by the Air Force at the request of the President after listening to the grievances of the villagers during the fourth “Discussion with the Village” program held in Kebithigollewa.
The Kanugahawewa village in the Kebithigollewa Divisional Secretariat was selected for the “Discussion with the Village” program which was held on December 30.
LTTE terrorists frequently attacked Kebithigollewa. On June 15, 2006, the LTTE exploded a massive claymore mine targeting a civilian bus enroute to Kebithigollewa killing more than 68 civilians who lived in Kanugahawewa and surrounding villages.
From 1995 to 1998 and from 2006 to 2008, the residents of these villages were forced to live in camps due to LTTE terror. Despite the end of terrorism, villagers continue to experience many serious economic and social problems. The President instructed the relevant officials on that day to provide solutions for their land issues, repair works in connection with tanks and canals, development of major roads and by –roads and to improve health, education and transport issues as soon as possible.
Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Sudharshana Pathirana took over the task of meeting the housing needs and other requirements in Kanugahawewa Village to mark the 70th anniversary of the Sri Lanka Air Force.
The President entrusted the responsibility of identifying the needs of the area and the task of submitting the plans in this regard to the Chief Incumbent of the village temple, the Divisional Secretary and the Chairman of the Pradeshiya Sabha and the Grama Niladhari.
President Rajapaksa and First Lady Ioma Rajapaksa handed over the houses to the people.
Keys were also handed over to a newly built teachers quarters at the Kanugahawewa Primary School premises.
The SLAF Seva Vanitha Unit donated school uniforms and equipment to the children.
The President also inspected the playground at Kanugahawewa Primary School, the Model Home Gardening Project, the Teachers’ Quarters and the eye surgeries performed at the Mobile Eye Hospital.
Families who had been in possession of government lands without clear ownership is to be given land and under the project the President symbolically handed over deeds to five persons in Kanugahawewa village.
The President then visited the ‘Kanugahawewa Model Village’ and inspected a newly constructed house and also the newly erected 15 km long elephant fence at the Kanugahawewa Model Village. Minister S.M. Chandrasena, State Ministers Duminda Dissanayake, Shehan Semasinghe, Channa Jayasumana, Members of Parliament K. H. Nandasena, K. P. S. Kumarasiri, Governor of the North Central Province Maheepala Herath and a number of Air Force officials were also present at the occasion.