RECONCILIATION THROUGH LANGUAGE PROGRAMME FOR SCHOOL CHILDREN IN EASTERN AREA REACH ITS PINNACLE

As per the conceptual guidance and initiative taken by Major General Prasanna Gunaratne RSP ndu psc IG, Commander Security Forces (East) the Security Forces Headquarters (East) organized “RECONCILIATION THROUGH LANGUAGE” programme with the aim of further strengthening the harmony between Sinhala and Tamil students in the Eastern area on 30 March 2024 at the Security Forces Headquarters (East).

This novel concept is the brainchild of the Commander Security Forces (East), Major General Prasanna Gunaratne RSP ndu psc IG. From the inception several months ago, this noble programme has facilitated 188 Sinhala students studying at Nelumwewa Central College and Welikanda Sinhapura Primary school to learn Tamil language and 120 Tamil students from Ramakrishna Mission College and Mudalikudha Maha Vidyalaya in Batticaloa district to learn Sinhala language.

The event organized at SFHQ (E), gave an opportunity for the Sinhala and Tamil students to mingle with each other and get to know them better. It also gave them a platform to showcase their talents they have learned over a short period of time and to involve in several team building and New Year Games. It was heartening to witness the amazing language talents and camaraderie developed by these children coming from different social backgrounds in a short span of time.

Addressing the gathering, the Commander SFHQ (E) emphasized the importance of learning each other's language and how positively that contribute for a meaningful reconciliation process. He further encouraged the students to take advantage of this opportunity to further improve their bilingual fluency and stated that Army will always actively contribute to strengthen the unity between different communities in the area. Finally, the Commander expressed his gratitude to Rev. Ebenazer Joseph Bishop of Methodist Church Sri Lanka, principals, teachers, students and parents who participated in the event.

Major General Prasanna Gunaratne RSP ndu psc IG, the Commander, Security Forces (East), graced the occasion as the Chief Guest and SDIG Ajith Rohana as the Guest of Honour. Rev. Ebenazer Joseph Bishop of Methodist Church Sri Lanka , SDIG Eastern Province, GOCs, Bde Comds, senior Officers and staff of the Security Forces Headquarters (East), principals, teachers, students and parents also participated in the event. The event was followed by a musical programme and special lunch arranged the Security Force Headquarters (East) for all the participants.