The ‘Api Wenuwen Api’ fund raising campaign in the United Kingdom is gathering momentum with donations pouring in, Brigadier Prasad Samarasinghe, Defence Adviser at the Sri Lanka, High Commission in London, said last week.

This project has been launched in UK in collaboration with the Defence Ministry and the Central Bank of Sri Lanka with the aim of building 50,000 houses for serving tri-service personnel.

"Providing housing is one of the best and most tangible ways of demonstrating our gratitude and appreciation. This is the time for all Sri Lankans to rally around in support of our brothers and sisters who are committed to restore peace in our motherland", Brig. Samarasinghe told the Sunday Island.

Proceeds of the campaign and fund raising events will be donated to   the ‘Api Wenuwen Api Housing Project’ in Sri Lanka, he said.

"This will encourage all Sri Lankans to support our service personnel who dedicate their lives to usher in peace".

People who have come forward to help us in this project are good friends of Sri Lanka — they have no political or personal interests, Brig. Samarasinghe explained.

Tickets for three cultural shows, which have been planned, are selling fast. A tri-Service cultural troupe will perform in these shows to be held in London, Birmingham and Manchester on Sept. 21, 27 and 28, respectively, he said.

"So far, we have received sponsorships and donations totalling £40,000. Our target is £100,000".

Sri Lankans living in the UK and some other from the Middle East are also supporting this project. Sam Chandrawansa donated £20,000 and Dr. Lalith Kotelawala pledged £8800 for the show in London. Another donor gave £4000, he noted.

Many Sri Lankans living in the UK are supporting this event which is a Defence Ministry project with transparency. The ‘Api Wenuven Api’ team goes around the UK conducting awareness programmes. All Sri Lankan temples are also helping out, Brig. Samarasinghe said.

For more information visit the website www.apiwenuwenapi.co.uk.