22nd November 2023 08:22:42 Hours
As per the conceptual guidance of the Commander, Security Forces (East) Major General Prasanna Gunaratne RSP ndu psc IG, SF HQ (East) has taken an initiative to teach each other’s languages to Sinhala and Tamil-speaking students in the East. Accordingly, 200 students from Nelumwewa Maha Vidyalaya and Sinhapura Maha Vidyalaya have been selected to attend a Tamil language programme for a period of one year. The Opening Ceremony of the programme was held on 21 November 2023 at Nelumwewa Maha Vidyalaya. The Commander Security Forces (East) Major General Prasanna Gunaratne graced the occasion as the chief guest accompanied by Major General KVNP Premaratne RSP USP psc, General Officer Commanding - 23 Infantry Division.
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. Also, he mentioned that a similar kind of programme to teach Sinhala Language to Tamil-speaking children will start at Kokkadicholai within a week time. Major General 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 understanding of each other’s sentiments. Mr. Nandasena Assistant Principal Of Sinhapura Maha Vidyalaya being the resource person of this program along with Army personnel from SF HQ (East) who are fluent in Tamil language will be conducting classes weekly in both schools respectively. The resource person will be also provided with incentives by well-wishers through personal contacts of the Commander Security Forces (East).
Troops of 9th Field Regiment Sri Lanka Artillery under 233 Inf Bde and 23 Infantry Division organized the event with the participation of religious leaders, Senior Army officers, the Zonal Education Director- Dimulagala, teachers, and students of both schools. The event was further followed by colorful cultural events performed by school children.
