DONATION PROGRAMMES CONDUCTED BY SF EAST TROOPS

In line with the series of community-oriented welfare programmes organized by the Sri Lanka Army, several donation programes were conducted by the troops of 23 Division under Security Forces (East) during the first week of January with an initiative aimed at supporting education of school children of the less privileged schools in the area.

The 233 Brigade conducted a charity programme under the supervision of 23 Infantry Division at BCO/KK Kaddamurivekulam GTMS School, Kaddumuruve and to distribute essential school items for children followed by a Tree Planting campaign with the participation of 178 students and their parents. Mr. & Mrs. Harin Amath provided the financial assistance for the donation and at the end of the programme refreshments (cool drink & buns) were offered to the students & participants. GOC 23 Division, Commander 233 Brigade, CAO HQ 23 Division, CAO 233 Brigade, 2nd In Command 6 GR, Other Ranks, Teachers, Students & Parents were present at the event.

Meanwhile, another charity programme was conducted by the 233 Brigade at Maithreegama Primary School, Aselapura, to distribute essential stationeries to 114 school students. Mr. Weranga provided the financial assistance for the programme. Ven. Rahula Thera of Maithreegama Temple, Donators, Col GS, Col AQ & Staff Officers of 23 Division & 233 Brigade, Other Ranks, Teachers, Students & Parents were present at the event. The event adorned with the cultural dances performed by school children.

One more programme organised by 233 Brigade with the support of the Pradeeparama Monastery-Vidulipura was held at Tikkana Village - Kathiraveli to distribute dry ration, school items, stationeries, and many other essential goods among 35 rural families in the village. Ven. Mahanayaka Thera, Commander 233 Brigade, senior officers, other ranks and civilians were present at the event. A packeted dinner was offered to all who present at the end of the programme. Ven. Rahula Thera of Maithreegama Temple, Donators, Col GS, Col AQ & Staff Officers of 23 Division & 233 Brigade, Other Ranks, Teachers, Students & Parents were present at the event. The event adorned with the cultural dances performed by school children.

To coincide with Christmas celebrations, humanitarian assistance programme was organised by 233 Brigade with the support of Ladies’ Lions Club, Batticaloa. The event was held at Sisters’ House -Mankerni to donate Educational Materials (including Stationeries), Sewing Machines and Computers to selected rural children & teachers in the view of uplifting their life standards. The General Officer Commanding 23 Infantry Division, Major General A D G N Jayasundera RWP RSP graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, accompanied by the Commander 233 Brigade, Senior Officers and Other Ranks. Rev. Father Terrence Ragel, Rev. Sisters, representatives from the Lions Club, teachers, students and civilians were also present at the event.

In the meantime, under the supervision of the Commanding Officer 18 SLNG and with the financial assistance of Mr. Sarath Abeysinghe & family, a charity programme was conducted at Namalgama Primary School and Nagasthenna Primary School Welikanda to donate essential stationeries. A stationary pack worth of Rs. 2000, distributed among 108 students in the view of uplifting the standards of their education. The evening was adorned with the songs and cultural dances performed by school children. Ven. Weheragama Somawansa Thera, Mr. Sarath Abeysinghe & family, Commanding Officer 18 SLNG, students and civilians were also present at the event.