World Vision funds Ferry Service, Model Farm

[TamilNet, Sunday, 01 February 2004, 00:01 GMT]
Mr.Yu Hua Li, National Director of World Vision International, Friday, inaugurated two projects, a ferry costing Rs.3.5 million in Mandoor, and a new Model farm costing Rs.20m in Thampalavattai, civil sources in Batticaloa said. Both projects were funded by World Vision which is Christian Relief Organization.

Yu Hua Li, National Director, World Vision speaking

Mandoor, located 32km southwest of Batticaloa town, is one of the three ferry points that service the hinterland across the 56km long Batticaloa lagoon.

Speaking as chief guest in the events Mr.Li said, "cessation of hostilities have brought much needed relief to the people of this district. They are eagerly looking for opportunities to work hard to make a decent living. Peace has allowed our organization also to carryout development work in this war affected region."

S.J.Thiruchelvam, President of the WVI branch of the Vellaveli region, presided both events.

"We identified the ferry service between Kurumanveli and Mandur as a long term need of the farming community. The model farm will serve the needs of local farmers including providing advice on efficient methods of farming. We are glad to be able to implement these two projects," said Mr.Li.

"We came to know the needs of this community from local media and through some of our workers. Liberation Tigers co-operated with us to make the projects successful. We have no other hidden agenda other than to help the local communities. The model farm is the property of this community. We hope everyone will co-operate to expand and develop this farm further," Li added.

Mr.Mangala, Officer-in-Charge of Mandoor Police, lighting the ceremonial lamp

V.Kirushan, Batticaloa-Amparai Deputy Leader of LTTE's Political Wing said, "Two decades of war has adversely affected our education, economy and culture. Our people had to endure severe hardships.

"By destroying our property and our culture, past Sri Lanka Governments attempted to break the will of our people. Although we have suspended hostilities, we are not close to reaching a state of permanent peace yet. There will be permanent peace only when our fundamental rights are recognized.

"More Relief and Charitable organizations such as World Vision must come forward to rebuild our destroyed education, infrastructure and economy," added Kirushan.

Parliamentarian G.Krishnapillai said that Sri Lanka Government authorities never allocated funds to help our people.

"We appreciate World Vision for implementing these two important projects within a short period. Vellavelli is a low lying region. When we were affected by floods World Vision came forward to help us with drinking water, built latrine facilities and provided other help. We hope that WVI will look into building a permanent bridge between Kurumanvelli and Mandur in the future," said Mr.Krishnapillai.

Lecturer in the Agriculture Department at Eastern University, Prof.K.Thiruchelvam, District Secretary K.Karunakaran, Mavadimunmari LTTE's Head of Political Wing S.Sutha, Chief Engineer for Road Development V.Karunainathan, Education Officer S.Thillainathan, Planning Director at WVI Selvin Thas, Regional Director S.Sutharsan and Samurdi Commissioner S.Visvalingam also spoke.

WVI's media co-ordinator Sitmini Pereira, Eravur Club President S.Arulnesan, Mandoor Police Inspector T.L.Wijewanse, Sub Inspectors W.N.H.Karunaratne and D.B.S.Fernando and several other officials participated.

Ferry used for transportation across lagoon between Kuruman Velli and Mandoor

Name board being unveiled

World Vision and other Officials are being welcomed



World Vision International website said WVI "is a Christian relief and development organisation working for the well being of all people, especially children. Through emergency relief, education, health care, economic development and promotion of justice. World Vision helps communities help themselves.

"Established in 1950 to care for orphans in Asia, World Vision has grown to embrace the larger issues of community development and advocacy for the poor in its mission to help children and their families build sustainable futures."