31st December 2023 14:54:04 Hours
As per the conceptual guidance of the Commander, Security Forces (East) Major General Prasanna Gunaratne RSP ndu psc IG, SFHQ (East) has taken an initiative to teach each other’s languages to Sinhala and Tamil speaking students in the East.The first phase of the initiative started off a month ago with the starting of Tamil Language Course for Sinhala Students at Nelumwewa Maha Vidyalaya, Welikanda. The second phase started off on 30th December 2023 at R.K.M Vidyalaya Kokadichole with the participation of 103 students from R.K.M Vidyalaya and Muthalaikudha Maha Vidyalaya, Kokadichole. These 103 students will learn Sinhala Language for a period of 6 months starting from January 2024.
The Opening Ceremony of the programme was held on 30 December 2023 at R.K.M Vidyalaya Kokadichole with the participation of senior military officers, members of clergy, teachers, parents, students, and officials of the “Interfaith Coalition for Peace”. In parallel to the opening ceremony, distribution of school bags and stationaries for all student participants was carried out with the financial backing of the “Interfaith Coalition for Peace”. The Commander, Security Forces (East) Major General Prasanna Gunaratne graced the occasion as the Chief Guest.
Addressing the gathering, Major General Prasanna Gunaratne emphasized the importance of learning each other’s language as a society and its positive outcomes towards a meaningful reconciliation process. He further encouraged students to make use of this opportunity to improve their bilingual fluency, which will definitely be an advantage in time to come. Major General Prasanna Gunaratne further said that there would be interactive sessions with the participation of students of both programmes in future with the aim of strengthening brotherhood and cross-culture understanding among students of both programmes.
During his speech, Major General Prasanna Gunaratne appreciated the continuous support and commitment of the “Interfaith Coalition for Peace” in bridging the gap between communities living in the East. He further appreciated the great support and commitment of Rev Ebenazer Joseph, the Bishop of the Methodist Church-Sri Lanka towards a meaningful reconciliation in the East. Mr. Hemakumara Gunasekara Treasurer, “Interfaith Coalition for Peace” and General Secretary, International Chamber of Commerce, Sri Lanka too addressed the gathering. Mrs. Thilani Withanage, Head of Women’s Wing – “Interfaith Coalition for Peace” and Dr. (Mr) Dilantha Withanage also attended the event.
The dazzling cultural dances performed by the students of both schools added more glamour and colours to the event. The outstanding performances that were staged during the ceremony by the students has been an excellent eye-opener to understand the true potential of the students. The SF Commander too praised the teachers for their hard workand commitment in training students for such heights.
Troops of 11 Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment under 243 Infantry Brigade and 24 Infantry Division organized the event under the guidance of SF HQ (East).
