Ranaviru Nikethanaya - Healing Home for war heroes
Located in the tranquility of Aththidiya, a suburb of
Colombo is a site where construction work is under way with speed for a
special centre for those war heroes in need of special care and comfort.
The Ranaviru Nikethanaya is best described as a Healing Home, the first
of its kind that will be a home for over 200 heroes of war, carefully
identified as those needing special care, in a nation so indebted to
them for their invaluable sacrifices made to free our motherland from
the scourge of terrorism.
The brain child of the Secretary Defence Mr. Gotabaya
Rajapaksa - the Ranaviru Nikethanaya will make history as the first such
facility to be built in South Asia. "It is our priority to look to the
needs of those who have given everything for the country and in return
never expected any. What we do as welfare projects may seem to be
technically termed as CSR in the corporate world, but this work
undertaken by the Ministry of Defence and the Security Forces and Police
is much more than an extension of responsibility. It is a sacred duty by
the nation," says its initiator, who was himself a veteran battle
commander.
The 23-acre Ranaviru Nikethanaya project is being
built in the green suburb of Colombo, preserving the natural environment
and lies in the borders of the Aththidiya Bird Sanctuary. With the first
stage of the construction work scheduled to be completed by August,
making way for the first 30 inmates, Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa sees the
need to engage Sri Lankan philanthropists, both locally and abroad, in
this venture that will help weave the Sri Lankan social fabric with a
rich commitment to serve those who have given selfless service to their
country.
"Now is the time to make a statement that 'WE NEVER
FORGET', and what better opportunity than this", said the Secretary
Defence, commenting on the need to help make the Ranaviru Nikethanaya a
place to be proud of, for its care of those who have given of their best
to the motherland.
In October 2009, a donation of Rs. 25 million was made
by the Chief Executive Officer of Dialog Telekom Dr. Hans Wijesuriya,
for this great patriotic venture, while further assistance is been
provided by ACL Cables and Sansta Cement. The Ministry also expects
further assistance from patriotic Sri Lankans to accomplish this noble
project.
Meanwhile, speaking with defence.lk, 'Ranaviru
Nikethanaya' project supervisor Major K Weerasinghe said that, "this
initial project will be a prototype for similar construction work- in
tribute for war heroes, in need of special care and comfort. It is the
vision of Secretary Defence to rally the whole nation in support of the
sons who braved against all odds in the time of need", he further said.
"They have done their duty, now let's make sure we
answer our call-of-honour."
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The Ranaviru Nikethanaya will provide shelter for
permanently disabled war heroes. Each disabled war hero will be provided
with an air-conditioned room, internet facilities, television and a
pantry with essential kitchen appliances. The project is made possible
from the donations of patriotic Sri Lankans; the construction work is
undertaken by the Sri Lanka Army Engineers Corps.
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