May 21, Colombo: A group of Sri Lankan expatriates in the United States of America has donated 12 million rupees to "Api Wenuwn Api" fund undertaken by the Ministry of Defence to build permanent housing project for the armed forces personnel.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa received the donation from the representatives of the Ranaviru Foundation in America at the Temple Trees today (May 21). The money was collected through series of cultural and musical shows organized by the Foundation which is dedicated to assist welfare activities for war heroes.

“Api Wenuwn Api” fund facilitates a housing project aimed at building 50,000 houses for the members of the armed forces. The first phase of the project is presently underway at Ipalogama in the Anuradhapura district. Construction works of 1,620 houses have already been completed.

A house built under this projects costs 2.4 million rupees out of which 1 million is provided by the government while the rests is expected to find through donations. Contributions to the “Api Wenuwen Api” Fund can be made at any Bank of Ceylon branch, island wide.