MCNS reported that the Public Relation and Development division of the Ministry of Defence is building 50000 houses for soldiers under the supervision of the Secretary of Defence Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa.

The first phase in this venture is to donate a plot of land free of charge for the soldiers who have no houses. The second is to give an interest free loan to all service men with a special emphasis on disabled soldiers or donate funds to soldiers currently in service in order to build their house.

Also the third step is to join with government institutions to continue this housing project.

As the fourth phase, Ranaviru Villages will be established in rural areas according to a concept of the Secretary of Defence. The first Ranaviru Village is established in Ipologama area in the Anuradhapura District. An area of 180 acres had been used to build the village and 1509 houses have been fully constructed.

Furthermore this town would have high quality schools, good roads, banks, playgrounds and super markets to enhance the living conditions of the war heroes, MCNS report added.

This was the first time in the history of Sri Lanka that a housing project comprising 50000 houses was initiated for the benefit of the soldiers.