17.10.2010.
We were informed that public transport to Mannar Town schools from remote villages like Sannar in Preiyamadu and Pesalai in the Mannar District is very inadequate and our help was sought by the people who were resettled after the recent war concluded in May 2009, to provide them with bi-cycles and also nets for catching crabs and a wheel chair for an invalid.
After having made the necessary arrangements with our co-ordinator in Mannar to purchase bi-cycles,nets and wheel chair the President, Secretary General and Project Organiser travelled to Mannar on 17th October for the distribution of the items mentioned. From Mannar proceeded to Sannar in Periyamadu which is 22Km. from Mannar Town and is almost a forest area.. About 15Km. of the road to Sannar is gravel road. The people have settled there after having cleared the forest land. There are about 118 families living under difficult conditions. Here the students have to travel 10 to15Km to go to school.
Here 18 bi-cycles were handed over to students (mostly girl students)and some of the parents whose children cannot ride a bi-cycle.
PESALAI
After having delivered bi-cycles(BC) at Sannar in Periyamadu, we proceeded to Pesalai which is a coastal village about 15Km. from Mannar Town.
The people and the students assembled at Kaddattu Aspathiriady Amman Kovil premises. Selection of beneficiaries were made by personal visits to each and every family by our co-ordinator. There are about 60 families most of whom are below the poverty line. The BCs numbering 10 were delivered one by one to to the deserving students and parents. In addition two women who have lost their husbands were given nets for catching crabs and earn a living. An invalid was given a wheel chair at his request.
The total cost of the project was funded by SCOT of UK and other well wishers.
