Caritas Vanni-HUDECC constructed and opened a Pre-School at Poonakary (Pooneryn), Kawdarimunai Parish, for the early education of the local children. Mr. Anton Eliston of France, International Medical Health Organization-USA and the 66 Division of the Sri Lankan Army, jointly funded and sponsored the construction of this preschool, which is located on the grounds of the Kaudharimunai St. Anthony's Church. The building was occasionally blessed and opened on January 11, 2023 by the director of Caritas Jaffna-HUDEC, Rev. Fr. Eugene Francis. Following the formal opening, Rev. Fr. Sebajeevan, the director of Caritas Vanni-HUDEC handed over the building's official documentation to the parish priest, Rev. Fr. Ajith Sulakshan, and the preschool teachers. Eleven villagers who boldly protested against the unlawful sand mining in the area were also honored for their environmental protection efforts on the same day. Parents and young people honored this occasion by being present, along with Rev. Fr. Ajith Sulakshan, Parish Priest of St. Mary's Church Poonakaary, Mr. G. Krishnakumar, Coordinator for Sri Lanka of the International Medical Health Organization-USA, Major General R K N C Jayawardene, General Officer Commanding of 66 Division, Colonel Seneviratne, Lieutenant Colonel Udayarathne, Grama Seva Niladhari.
