24 INFANTRY DIVISION ORGANIZED THE CHILDREN'S DAY PROGRAMME AT AREA-WIDE

To mark World Children's Day for the year 2023 24 Infantry Division organized the children's day programmes at the divisional area-wide on 01 and 02 October 2023 on the conceptual guidance of Major General MKUP Gunaratne RSP ndu psc IG, the Commander, Security Forces - East. The events were organized under the supervision of Major General W Chandrasiri RSP USP psc, General Officer Commanding, 24 Infantry Division by the Brigade Commander of the 241 Infantry Brigade, Brigadier LSDN Pathirathna RSP USP and Brigade Commander of the 243 Infantry Brigade, Brigadier AMC Kumarasinghe.

Troops of the 24 Infantry Division distributed gift packs and provided lunch to 45 children from Vision Hope Pre-School at Vision Hope Center, Kalmuna. The 241 Infantry Brigade organized a school books distribution program with lunch for the 43 students, and staff of the Amman Mahalirilla Ladies Children‘s Home Akkaraipattu. Also, troops of the 242 Infantry Brigade organized a school accessories donation programme for Manalchena Government Tamil Mix Junior School, Thulasi Junior School and Sangamankanda Thirupathi Vidyalaya distributed the school accessories among 153 students. The school books donated for both events the Chief Incumbent of Ancients Muhudu MahaViharaya, Venerable Warakapola Indrasiri thero and the students of the Dhamma School.

Moreover, the 14 Battalion Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment have provided meals for 85 children and 11 teachers of Dhamma School of Magul Maha Viharaya at Lahugala. 18 Battalion Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment distributed school shoes and equipment for the teaching staff and 40 students at Kalmunai Sinhala Maha Vidyalaya and also conducted a musical program by the calypso band of the battalion for the entertainment with providing lunch.

Simultaneous with International Children's Day troops of 8 Sri Lanka National Guard distributed gift packs, provided lunch and organized the fun making games for 30 children of St. Joseph's Church Pre-School and displaced 15 children at St. Joseph's Church. 11 Sri Lanka National Guard provided lunch and distributed gifts among the 10 children at Siyapath Pre- School, Neeththa. 16 Sri Lanka National Guard troops provided lunch and books, stationery for 44 students of Maranatha Pre-School Annamale.

In all events, the children enjoyed the 2023 Children's Day celebrated with the Army troops deep in their hearts. Commanding Officers, Officers and Other Ranks of the Battalions contributed their maximum effort to the programmes and participation in the success of the events. Teachers of the schools, Pre- Schools and parents of the children's also present at the all occasion.