04th December 2018 13:12:30 Hours
In the proud history of the Gajaba Regiment, the name of Corporal Gemunu Karunarathna of 6 Gajaba Regiment is going write in gold letters for his adventurous expedition of great determination. Corporal Gemunu Karunarathna – 6 GR has determined to move along in a wheelchair from Point Dondra to Point Pedro, coincide with the International Day of Disabled Persons on 3 December 2018.
This significant record event totally covers 576 km in 8 Days. The event ceremonially started on 03 December 2018 with the presence of the Commander of the Army, Lieutenant General Mahesh Senanayake and Major General Shavendra Silva, Adjutant General and Colonel of the Regiment - GR and Major General S.K Thirunavukarasu, Director General Rehabilitation. With the unwavering determination of moves along in wheelchair will be terminating on 11 December 2018 at Point Pedro.
Corporal Karunarathna, brave war hero Joined the Sri Lanka Army on 13 September 2007 and actively participated to final phase of the Humanitarian war. During the battle of best forefront infantry division, 58 Division at Puthukkudiyirippu, he lost his two legs while fighting against terrorist on 7 May 2009.
He was enrolled the Abimansala-3, Pangolla for recuperation and rehabilitation in 2014. He got married in 2015 and blessed with a child. Even he lost his legs, he never give up his determination to succeed in life and he represent many wheelchair sports tournaments and won several wheelchair competitions while continuously displaying his unwavering courage.
It is obvious that this is the first ever of this nature of soldier in the Gajaba regiment as well as in the army set an example to all disable personnel,showing the hard dedication which ever never in the military history Sri Lanka.
Major General Shavendra Silva, Adjutant General and Colonel of the Regiment - GR and Brig Harendra Peris, the Gajaba Regimental Centre Commandant, with all Offrs and Other Ranks wishing him for his unwavering determination for the success.
