(UDHAYAM, COLOMBO) – A group of War Hero families and disable War Heroes were granted interest free housing loans on Wednesday (21) at the Ministry of Defence.
The event organised by the Seva Vanitha Unit (SVU) of the Ministry was held under the patronage of State Minister Ruwan Wijewardene, and Secretary Eng. Karunasena Hettiarachchi.
Interest free loans to the value of Rs. 15 million were distributed among 50 (19 Army, 14 Navy, 12 Air Force and 5 Civil Defence Department) beneficiaries. The loan scheme is being carried out by the Seva Vanitha Unit (SVU) of the Ministry. This housing assistance loan was provided under the 22 phase of the project which assists War Heroes families and disable war Heroes to find solutions to their housing requirements. Under the 21st phase 48 beneficiaries received this facility in 2015.
The housing assistance interest free loan project was mooted with Rs. 50 million grant provided by former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga during her tenure. The first phase saw interest free loans being presented to 100 beneficiaries including 40 Army, 20 Navy, 15 Air Force and 25 Police beneficiaries. A total of Rs.15 million was provided under the first phase with each beneficiary receiving Rs. 150,000.00 as interest free loan. With the Police coming under a different ministry the Civil Defence Department was included for the loan scheme.