Opening Ceremony for Rainwater Harvesting System in Madduvilnadu G.T.M.S
On the 9th of May 2017, an opening ceremony was held in Madduvilnadu G.T.M.S, a school in Kilinochchi. The school is host to 46 students (grades 1-5) and 5 teachers who had to rely on bowser water and undrinkable well water for 3 months of the year. The well would run dry for the remaining 9 months. USAID funded the construction of a 30,000 litre rainwater harvesting system with groundwater recharge capabilities.
Chief guest Mr. S. Krishnenthiran, The Divisional Secretary for Poonakary commended Lanka Rainwater Harvesting Forum for its help in alleviating the water shortage in the north. ZEO Deputy director of planning Ms. A. Mithili added that rainwater harvesting should be implemented for the entire region given its dry climate.
Also in attendance were Gramasevaka Madduvilnadu West Mrs. Senthusa, Development officer for Poonakary Mrs. S. Archchana, Senior Development Officer for Poonakary Divisional Secretary Mrs. S. Vanusha, Principal A. Nadeswaran (Paramankinrai G.T.M.S.), Principal R. Kalaichelvan (Kilinochchi, Semmankunru G.T.M.S.), Principal M Arulananthan (Kilinochchi, pallikuda vidyalaya), USAID representative Ms. Rehana Cuttilan, teachers, parents, students, Dr. C. S. Weerarathne (Board Director, LRWHF) and LRWHF staff.