‘Ranaviru’ families without drinking water

M. A. R. Manukulasooriya, Hiriyala group

One hundred disabled “Ranaviru” families living in Pangolla Ranaviru village are greatly inconvenienced due to several shortcomings which remain unattended for a long time.

This village which is situated in the Ibbagamuwa D. S. division experiences an acute shortage of drinking water. Although there is a pipe-borne water supply scheme in the village, the water cannot be used for drinking as it is not purified. “The pipe borne water we get cannot be used for drinking because it is not purified. Water is supplied from Deduruoya. We can use this water only for bathing and for washing purposes.

As this village is situated in a hilly area, digging wells has become a difficult task. At present we get drinking water from a few wells that have been dug by some families with great difficulties.

Although we have brought this matter to the notice of the authorities several times, no action has yet been taken to remedy the situation” said E. M. S. U. Ekanayake, President of the Ranavirugama Welfare Association explaining their predicament.

The gravel road that runs through this village is in a state of total disrepair. It is full of pot holes.

Most of the disabled war - heroes have been forced to use their wheel chairs when they have to travel along this road. They appeal to the authorities to urgently undertake the necessary renovations to the road under the “Maga Neguma” development programme.

Although there is a playground in this village, it cannot be used as it is covered with shrubs. Sports gear too have not been supplied so far.

There are nearly 200 children in this village.