Empowering Little Hearts and Minds - 51 Infantry Division Uplifts Education in Jaffna

As part of a community engagement initiative, the “Dharmma Yathra” program was organized to commemorate the 170th anniversary of the first ordination of the Sri Kalyani Samagri Dharma Maha Sabha in Kotte. The event was held on 12th November 2025 at Jaffna Puttur Madihe Pannasiha Vidyalaya under the guidance of the Aggamaha Panditha Most Venerable Kotapitiye Rahula Maha Thero, Anunayake Thero of the Kotte Sri Kalyani Samagri Dharma Maha Sangha Sabha. This program symbolized harmony, spiritual unity and the strengthening of values within the broader Sri Lankan community, emphasizing interregional cooperation and cultural inclusivity.

The event was coordinated under the guidance of the Major General KAN Rasika Kumara ndc psc, Commander Security Forces (Jaffna) with the supervision of Major General M. Rizvi Razick RSP ndu, General Officer Commanding of the 51 Infantry Division. As part of the humanitarian initiative, school uniforms, books, school bags, vouchers for school shoes and other essential educational materials were distributed to 106 students from Madihe Pannasiha Vidyalaya and Uduvil Murugamoorthy Vidyalaya for the 2026 academic year. Additionally, refreshments were provided to all attending teachers and students. The Maha Sangha of the Kotte Sri Kalyani Samagri Dharma Maha Sangha Sabha graced the occasion with their presence, highlighting the spiritual significance of the event. Furthermore, the 51 Infantry Division organized a “Dahawal Danaya” (midday almsgiving) for the Maha Sangha at the Officers’ Mess, attended by Brigade Commanders, Commanding Officers and staff officers, symbolizing unity between the armed forces and the Buddhist clergy.

The successful organization and execution of the event were made possible through the dedicated efforts of the troops of the 51 Infantry Division. Their coordinated work, led by Brigadier KD Gothatuwa RWP RSP, Commander of the 511 Infantry Brigade and the Commanding Officer of the 15th Sri Lanka National Guard, reflected the military’s commitment to community development and social welfare. The active participation of the Divisional Education Director of Kopay and other government educational officers further underscored the collaborative nature of the initiative, integrating religious, military and educational sectors toward a shared goal of social upliftment and inter communal understanding.