Colombo, 02 February, (Asiantribune.com): World Vision a controversial international Christian relief and development organization has come forward to spend US$ 40 million to construct houses in Sri Lanka for the tsunami affected people.

World Vision has come forward to build 3,000 houses in the Kalutura District in Sri Lanka.

On 31st January President Chandrika Kumaratunga held discussions with senior officials of World Vision on the government's rebuilding plans in the Kalutara district.

World Vision's National Director in Sri Lanka Mr. U. Hwa Li disclosed that their organization would be prepared to spend US $ 40million [LKR Rs.4,000 million] to rebuild districts destroyed by the tsunami. The World Vision has pledged to build 3,000 houses in the Kalutara district.

President Kumaratunga briefed the visitors about the government's policies and plans for new housing for the tsunami victims. She said the government's intention was to ensure that all displaced persons were provided with running water, electricity and sanitary facilities and a minimum of 500 square feet floor space and added that the Housing Development Authority had already prepared the plans. The engineers and architects will monitor the quality of the constructions.

The President said fisheries tenements in the coastal belt would be constructed according to a formal plan subjected to the 100-meter buffer zone.

The Government will construct new houses for those who lost their dwelling. Or else, they could be provided with financial assistance to construct houses in there own lands and loan facilities will be made available at low interest rates.

President Kumaratunga told the World Vision officials various local and foreign institutions had already undertaken the construction of destroyed schools and hospitals. Construction of houses had begun in the Kalutara district.

In addition to building houses the World Vision institution has taken steps to provide essentials such as cooking utensils and the project will start on February 4 from the Beruwala Divisional Secretariat Division.

The Western Province Chief Minister Reginald Cooray and Post & Telecom Deputy Minister Rohitha Abeygunawardhana, senior Government officials were at the meeting.

- Asian Tribune -