22nd May 2025 09:56:54 Hours
In the light of shouldering hardships, and caring values at the need of furthering and strengthening future avenues of the beneficiaries, the Sri Lanka Army Volunteer Force (SLAVF) marked the sense of financial grants ceremony for the year on 17 May 2025 at the Headquarters, Sri Lanka Army Volunteer Force (HQ SLAVF). The ceremony was organized under the guidance and initiative of Major General D K S K Dolage USP nps psc, the Commandant of the SLAVF who graced the occasion as the Chief Guest.
The day’s itinerary commenced with the arrival of the Chief Guest, with his lady Mrs. Lilanthi Dolage, the Chairperson of the Sri Lanka Army Medical Corps Seva Vanitha Branch. Upon arrival, they were warmly welcomed by Major General B M R J Bandara, the Deputy Commandant together with his lady Mrs. Janitha Bandara and the Senior Officers of the SLAVF.
The inauguration of the day’s proceedings commenced with the lighting of the traditional oil lamp by the nominated invitees. This was followed by the observance of a two-minute silence in honour of the fallen war heroes who sacrificed their lives for the sovereignty on this soil.
In the midst of the inspiring reflection towards the sequences of the event, the welcome remarks were delivered by Brigadier H A Keerthinatha RSP KSP psc - Brigadier Administration of the SLAVF.
During the ceremony, a total of 205 children who excelled in the Grade Five Scholarship Examination in 2024, General Certificate of Ordinary Level Examination in 2023 and General Certificate of Advanced Level Examination in the years 2022 and 2023 received scholarships which is worth more than Rs. 4,735,000.00. Accordingly, 16 high achievers of Grade 5 Scholarship Examination, each receiving Rs. 10,000.00, symbolically accepted their scholarships during the event on behalf of the other recipients, who will receive theirs through the nearest Security Forces Headquarters.
Furthermore, 27 students who scored 9 A’s in General Certificate of Ordinary Level Examination awarded with Rs.25,000.00 and 57 students who received an opportunity to enroll in universities received an initial deposit of Rs. 50,000.00. In addition, 16 pairs of school shoes and socks were donated to selected children of Tamil Primary Vidyalaya at Salawa.
Adding a glamorous touch to the event, and adorning the pride and honour of the stance of volunteering, the ceremony was featured with cultural events presented by the Directorate of Army Bands and Performing Arts.
As a key highlight of the occasion, a heartfelt note of gratitude delivered by a student who had gained admission to university marking the successful conclusion of the financial grants awarding ceremony.
Mr. Kuganation - the Principal of Tamil Primary College, Salawa, Mr.Prasanth Konara, Superintendent of Salawa Estate, Senior Officers and Officers of the SLAVF, and a large gathering of parents and children, participated inthe ceremony.