Defense Ministry to expedite ‘Virusumithuru’ housing project for families of fallen and disabled soldiers
February 26, 2020The Defence Ministry is to expedite the ‘Virusumithuru' housing project, which has been designed to address the housing needs of families of fallen and disabled soldiers.
The project, which was jointly implemented by the National Housing Development Authority (NHDA) and the Ranaviru Seva Authority (RVSA), was scheduled to be completed by 2020 under the previous regime.
At a progress review meeting held with the Defence Secretary Maj. Gen. (Retd) Kamal Gunaratne, who discussed the issues related to delay in implementing the housing project, has instructed to extend the deadline of the project to complete the balance work in a rapid phase.
“We have given the priority to address the issues of the war heroes for the sacrifices that they have made to bring peace for the country. Housing is one issue that we are going to address to offer them decent living,” he said.
Estimated allocation for the project, extended deadline and targeted housing units will be included in the amendments to the new Cabinet paper which will be submitted for Cabinet approval soon.
Under Virusumithuru housing project the Ministry and other stakeholders expect to construct over 3,650 houses including completely build and partial houses by 2022.
Under this housing project, the RVSA will select the eligible beneficiaries and the labor will be provided by the Armed Forces, Police and Civil Security Department.
The financial allocation to complete each housing unit will be paid in six-installments by the RVSA.
Additional Secretary Defence Services Samanthi Weerasinghe, Additional Secretary Ministry of Housing and Construction Rathnayake Chulananda, Chairman RVSA Maj. Gen. (Rtd) Nandana Senadeera, General Manager NHDA Lalith Edirisinghe, Director RVSA Brig. (Retd) Vijith Subasinghe, Defence Ministry officials, Welfare Directors of Tri-Forces, Civil Security Department were present at the meeting.
