At the time of its inception the SLFVH was gifted with a lease of land by the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) at No 74, Church Street, Colombo 2. The building premises however were severely limited and expansion was long overdue. After years of strenuous efforts the dream to have a new building and resource centre to provide multiple services to the visually handicapped has come true. We are deeply indebted to our patron, Her Excellency President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, who donated a 11 perch block of land adjoining our present premises and also a sum of rupees one million from the Presidents Fund.

A strong arm of support was brought into the project when Deshmanya Lalith Kotalawela, President of the Ceylinco Group of Companies, came forward to support the fundraising for the new building. The foundation stone was laid on 16th October 1997 by his wife Ms. Sicille Kotelawela. The total construction cost of the first phase of the building was rupees 18 million, and was supported through the Sarana Fund of Ceylinco and other institutions of the Group.

A sum of Rs 10 million was granted as a loan at 12% interest by the Sarana Fund of the Ceylinco Group. This sum has to be paid back at the rate of Rs. 190,000/= per month for 6 years. Donations are welcome towards this repayment.

Construction work commenced in April 1998 and the first phase of four floors was officially opened by Mr Kotalawela on 29th October 2001. The second phase, consisting of the 5th and 6th floors will be completed subsequently. The SLFVH requires funding to complete the project.

The12,200 sq.ft. space building houses the following centres and services :

• The SLFVH office
• Braille and Talk Book Libraries with recording studio
• Sales and display centre
• Prevention of blindness centre
• Music room
• Lodgings space for members (as necessary)
• An auditorium
• Orientation and mobility training facility
• Information technology unit
• Indoor games facility

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Sri Lanka Federation of the Visually Handicapped
No 74 Church Street,
Colombo 02,
Sri Lanka.