SRI LANKA ARMY AND ROTARY PARTNERS SUPPORT CYCLONE-AFFECTED STUDENTS IN VAVUNIYA

Recognizing the importance of strengthening children’s education and providing essential academic support, a book and stationery donation programme was conducted for students affected by Cyclone Ditwah on 03 February 2026 under the guidance of the Commander, Security Force Headquarters (Wanni), Major General K M P S B Kulatunga RSP ndc psc.

The programme was organized with financial assistance from the Sustainable Lanka Back to School Project (Vavuniya District) in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Capital City, with funding support from Rotary District 3300 (Malaysia) and FOMSO (Malaysia). The Rotary Club of Capital City was represented by Mr. Hiran Silva (Project Coordinator), Miss Stephine Rodrigo (Secretary), and Dr. Sanjiv Rajapaksha (Director-Community Service). The donation programme was conducted at the Atambagaskada Viharasthanaya with the participation and blessings of the Incumbent, Venerable Sri Saddharma Keerthi Sri Sumana Siddhartha Pujyapada Atambagaskada Kalyanatissabhidana Nayaka Thero.

Further adding significance to the event, the General Officer Commanding, 56 Infantry Division, Major General S A U A Solangaarachchi RSP ndc psc, and the Commander, 563 Infantry Brigade, Colonel W Dassanayake RSP, along with several senior officers, participated in the occasion. During the programme, 201 students received book packs with stationery, including 75 students from Grades 1 to 5 of Mahakachchikodiya Primary School and 126 students from Grades 1 to 11 of Atambagaskada Vidyalaya. The principals of the respective schools, Mr. Premasiri Sirisena and Ms. I.D.S. Dammika, were also present at the event. A refreshment programme was subsequently organized for the participating students and teachers.

The event was conducted under the full supervision of the Commanding Officer, 8th Battalion, Gemunu Watch, Major K P M Dissanayake psc, with the dedicated support and coordination of officers and other ranks. This initiative reflects the Sri Lanka Army’s continued commitment to supporting disaster-affected communities and promoting the educational well-being of schoolchildren through meaningful civil–military cooperation.