04th August 2023 12:16:16 Hours
‘Manusath Derana’ of TV "Derana" launched its 61st programme with the assistance of Sri Lanka Army Electrical & Mechanical Engineers - Seva Vanitha Branch (SLEME - SVB) at the SLEME Base Workshop - Udawalawa on Saturday (July 29) with several community programmes for the benefit of serving and retired SLEME soldiers, civil staff and a large crowd of locals in the area.
Mrs Janaki Liyanage, President of the Army Seva Vanitha Unit (ASVU) graced the occasion as the chief guest together with Mrs Nandani Samarakoon, Chairperson of SLEME - SVB and Mr Mahesh Jayawardena, Chairman of ‘Manusath Derana’.
At first, lighting of the traditional oil lamp, the observance of one-minute silence in memory of fallen war heroes and the recital of the ASVU song marked the beginning of the major scale welfare project.
During the event, the Sri Lanka Eye Donation Society sponsored free eye checkups and the distribution of 600 free spectacles, Leesons Hospital - Ragama funded 800 tests for diagnosing early stages of kidney diseases and 150 medical tests for identifying early Cholesterol risks.
At the same time, Aqua Light Company donated a water filter for the Udawalawa Central College, Coconut Cultivation Board distributed 500 hybrid coconut saplings and ‘Manusath Derana’ donated 05 clutches and 05 walking sticks for handicapped and elderly personnel in the area.
In addition, Octan Pvt Ltd donated 03 solar power systems for needy houses which never had electricity earlier and 04 oil sprayers for needy families living by cultivation. Meanwhile, Kyodai Lanka Pvt Ltd selected 100 young people from the area to train and get job opportunities from Japan for them. Further, 80 Army personnel donated blood to the National Blood Bank in the same location.
Towards the end, of the agenda, the President of ASVU, presented a special memento to the Chairman of ‘Manusath Derana’ and he made a special speech highlighting the Army’s contribution to the project and appreciated them. Moments later, the Chairperson of SLEME-SVB delivered the vote of thanks and culminated the 1st segment of the event.
Afterwards, invitees moved to the Thibolketiya area in Udawalawa and warmed a newly - erected house to a deserving retired Non-commissioned Officer who served in the SLEME. The beneficiary was suffering from several illnesses and is now completely bedridden. He retired due to his medical conditions. He is married and blessed with one son who is living separately. His wife is unemployed and the couple was living in a shelter made out of coconut fronds and clay walls.
Amila Tires Pvt Ltd in Slave Island and SLEME - SVB meanwhile jointly contributed to the required monetary assistance and troops of the SLEME Base Workshop at Udawalawa provided the much-needed technical expertise and manpower.
Major General S.P.A.I.M.B Samarakoon Hdmc Lsc, Commander, Army Logistic Command, Senior Officers, Officers, members of SLEME-SVB, Other Ranks, Principal of the Udawalawa Central College, Government Officials in the area and a local crowd more 1500 also witnessed mega scale welfare project.
