In 2023, 50 Malaiyaha families were severely affected by a landslide in the Poonagala area of Bandarawela. To support these families in rebuilding their lives, 50 new houses with essential basic infrastructure and facilities have been constructed. These houses are scheduled to be officially handed over to the beneficiaries by the Hon. President on 28 August 2026.
Prior to the official handover, a special programme to provide household items to all 50 families and educational materials to schoolchildren was held on 25 August 2026 at the Poonagala, Kabaragala Navodaya Gammanaya (New Village). The household items and educational materials were provided through the generous contributions of civil society organizations and individual donors.
The event was held under the patronage of the Hon. Minister of Plantation and Social Infrastructure, Mr. Samantha Vidyaratna, and the Hon. Deputy Minister, Mr. Sundaralingam Pradeepan. Members of Parliament representing the Badulla District, the District Secretary, government officials, civil society representatives, donors, and beneficiary families participated in the event.
At this event, the Voice of the Plantation People Organization (VOPP) contributed by providing essential school supplies to the children living in the new village. This contribution was made to support the affected families in their resettlement process and to help ensure that their children can continue their education without interruption.
We extend our heartfelt appreciation to Hon. Deputy Minister Sundaralingam Pradeepan and his secretaries and staff for bringing together civil society organizations and coordinating this valuable initiative. We sincerely appreciate their efforts in facilitating the contributions of civil society organizations and ensuring that much-needed support reached the families affected by the disaster.
