Sixty-two families living in the Wewsirigama model village in the Hiriyala electorate have been inconvenienced due to several shortcomings prevailing in the village for a long time.
This village, which was known as Kalalagama, was converted into a model village in 1980 by late President R. Premadasa. In the beginning, there were only 32 families in this village, but at present, that number has risen to 62.
They have put up three to four small houses in a single plot of land which is 20 perches in extent.
Most of the houses are dilapidated as they have not been renovated for a long time. The sole livelihood of the villagers is mat-weaving.
To make mats, these craftsmen use a type of hemp called sisal and a kind of jute called hana. Now it has become very difficult to find these raw materials in the area. As a result, most of them are engaged in various odd jobs.
The residents request the responsible authorities to look into their plight and take action to renovate their houses and initiate self-employment projects.