The Council on Asian Pacific Minnesotans, USA, will give confer a leadership award to the Minnesota - Sri Lanka Friendship Foundation at the Ramada Mall, Bloomington today (16), for its humanitarian services rendered during the post-Tsuanmi period of rehabilitating an affected community at Rathgama and Hikkaduw.a.

The leadership awards are conferred annually to honour, recognize and celebrate the work of individuals and organizations who had demonstrated continuous commitment and leadership to the Asian Pacific Community Council, sources told The Island.

Sri Lal Liyanapathirana and Nivenka Gunawardena with other Sri Lankans in Minnesota raised US$ 350,000 for the rehabilitation of the village and put up 50 new homes and a community centre using local material and personnel, while preserving the integrity of the topography, ecology and landscape.

The affected villagers were settled in the new houses and they are today enjoying the privilege of owning new homes with all infrastructure facilities and the use of a community centre where a library, pre-school and vocational training are given to villagers.