20 houses for 20 families

The construction of 20 houses for 20 families displaced by the massive landslide in Bulathkohupitiya in Aranayake was inaugurated by Rhino Roofing Products Limited with the laying of the foundation stone in Aranayake.

Minister of Power and Renewable Energy, Hon. Ranjith Siyambalapitiya, officials of the district administration, politicians of the area and officials of Rhino Roofing Products Limited graced the occasion.

The project to provide houses for families displaced by the severe landslide in Bulathkohupitiya in Aranayake was conceived by the Managing Director of Rhino Roofing Products, Mr. Jeyaseelan Gnanam. From the initial discussions with the relevant institutions and making field visits, the project was efficiently steered to the foundation stone laying stage by the Group Marketing Manager of Rhino Roofing Products Ltd., and Coordinator for the project, Mr. Priyantha Jayasinghe.

The houses being constructed on a land allocated by the government will cost Rhino Roofing Products Ltd., a sum of over Rs. 45 million. Each house will have an area of 781 sq. ft. and will be unique in that they have been planned and are being constructed according to specifications laid down by the National Building Research Organisation.

Commenting on the project, Mr. Priyantha Jayasinghe said, “Taking whatever steps necessary to restore normalcy to public life following severe natural disasters in the island is a priority in the Corporate Social Responsibility efforts of Rhino Roofing Products Limited. The construction of 20 houses at a cost of Rs. 45 million is another of our CSR projects.”

“It was in 2006 that we constructed 50 houses for families who lost their homes in the Kapugama area of Devinuwara due to the tsunami,” Jayasinghe added. “The area where the 50 houses are located is now known as Rhinopura. In addition, we invariably provide the necessary Chrysotile Roofing Sheets for those who have lost their shelter due to natural disasters as well as for the construction of common amenities. Therefore, we consider the project to build 20 houses in the Aranayakearea as an important exercise in our CSR effort. We have no doubt that it will be a great consolation to the families that receive these houses.”

Jayasinghe was also very appreciative of the cooperation extended by Kegalle District Secretary, Mr. Abeywickrema Wanasuriya, Assistant Director of the Disaster Management Centre, Kegalle, Mr. Jagath Mahendra and the Divisional Secretary of the Aranayake Divisional Secretariat, Mr. A.M. Feizal.

Director of Rhino Roofing Products Limited, Mr. Jude Fernando and Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Manoj Weeramanwere also present at the foundation stone laying ceremony.

Rhino Roofing Products Ltd., expect to complete the construction of these houses and hand them over to the 20 families within three months.

Picture 1 - Minister of Power and Renewable Energy, Hon. Ranjith Siyambalapitiya laying stone for a house
Picture 2 - Group Marketing Manager of Rhino Roofing Products Ltd., and Coordinator for the project, Mr. Priyantha Jayasinghe addressing the gathering
Picture 3 - Kegalle District Secretary, Mr. Abeywickrema Wanasuriya at stone laying ceremony