IIFA with Habitat to build village for refugees

As a testament to its mission of integration and building bridges between countries the International Indian Film Academy will spearhead a charity initiative in Sri Lanka as a part of the IIFA weekend and awards celebrations in Colombo.

Recognising the magnitude of the recent conflict in Sri Lanka, the IIFA Charity Initiative, in conjunction with the Sri Lanka Cricket Board, Habitat for Humanity and UNICEF aims to positively impact those afflicted in the country.

Identifying with the aims of the initiative, Indian cinema star, Salman Khan has agreed to be the Brand Ambassador of the IIFA Charity Initiative.

As a symbol of solidarity with the Sri Lankan people, IIFA in partnership with Habitat for Humanity will adopt and rebuild a village holding refugees, with the proceeds of the IIFA cricket match being donated to this cause. Habitat for Humanity is an organisation initiated by former US President Jimmy Carter, that is already doing considerable work in the region.

Speaking on the association with the IIFA Charity Initiative, Salman Khan said, 'I support IIFA's initiative for the Sri Lankan people, given the recent hardships they have faced. I'm happy to be an ambassador of change and believe that it is crucial to make a difference and contribute to this worthy cause. IIFA has successfully built bridges between countries over the last decade and I hope this initiative will do the same for Sri Lanka.'

Speaking at the media conference held in Mumbai, Deputy Minister of Economic Development, Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena said, 'the IIFA's will play a vital role in further strengthening the mutual cooperation of our two nations and has great potential in expanding its vistas in humanitarian work as well as investment, tourism, agriculture and other sectors.'

Tony Senewiratne, National Director Sri Lanka of Habitat for Humanity said 'the invitation from IIFA to Habitat for Humanity Sri Lanka is an exciting opportunity.

This union will join our efforts to bring a significant change to the lives of many families.

We plan to make a major difference by providing a community with a decent house and a better quality of life. This is indeed a generous and significant act by IIFA.'

Identifying Sri Lanka as an obvious choice to commence the second decade of IIFA, owing to its natural beauty and diversity of its culture and people, Sabbas Joseph, Director of Wizcraft said, 'IIFA is proud to be associated with UNICEF and Habitat for Humanity as a mark of support and hope for the people of Sri Lanka.

IIFA will be adopting a village for refugees and have received nothing but warmth and enthusiasm from the Sri Lankan people as we anticipate another successful IIFA.'