Commander of The Army Paid a Visit in Jaffna

Lieutenant General HLVM Liyanage RWP RSP ndu, Commander of the Army, who took over as the 24th Commander of the Army made his first visit to Jaffna Peninsula on 26 August 2022 on the invitation of Major General WMGCSB Wijayasundara RSP USP ndu, Commander of the Security Forces (Jaffna).

The Commander of the Security Forces (Jaffna) welcomed Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage, Commander of the Army on arrival at the Palaly International Airport and extended a warm welcome to the Security Forces (Jaffna) premises. On his arrival at the entrance of the Security Forces (Jaffna), Commander of the Security Forces (Jaffna) invited him to receive the salute in the Guard of Honour by the troops of the Gajaba Regiment in the parade ground accorded in his honour in conformity with attaching due recognition and prominence to military formalities, and Commander of the Army took the salute in the parade. This was followed by planting of sapling and a group photograph with officers.

Afterwards, the visiting The Commander of the Army addressed Officers and Other Ranks at the Cinema Hall, Security Forces (Jaffna). During his address, the Commander educated the troops regarding the present national security and intended to create the awareness of a public health perspective of road traffic accidents, use of social media which needs to be tackled by a multi-disciplinary approach for the well-being of the troops.

Subsequently, the Commander of the Army graced a string of events as the Chief Guest, organized by the Security Forces (Jaffna) with the patronage of Major General Chandana Wijayasundara RSP USP ndu, the Commander Security Forces (Jaffna) in par with promoting reconciliation process in Jaffna Peninsula.

Accordingly, the Commander of the Army, the day’s Chief Guest was invited to the Opening of “Harmony Theme Park” and for the Opening of newly constructed Kadduwan-Palaly Road.

During a simple inaugural ceremony, a newly constructed house in Puloly, Jaffna was vested in a deserving family by The Commander of the Army together with Commander Security Forces Jaffna. The beneficiary of the house is Mrs. Thangarasa Dharmarani, a rehabilitated former LTTE combatant, who was compelled to live in her sister’s house along with her husband, who is also a former LTTE combatant and only son. On being informed on the status quo, Commander of the Security Forces (Jaffna) gave the green light to go ahead with the planned house construction project. The troops of 16th Battalion of Sri Lanka Light Infantry under 55 Infantry division volunteered technical, engineering and manpower assistance while financial support for the construction was extended by Mr. Vish Nataraja. A cheque worth Rs.50000/= donated by the Commander of the Army to the family during the occasion.

In an attempt to encourage and stimulate the students for higher studies, monthly financial scholarships each worth Rs. 5000/= presented to selected three students until completion of O/L examination, who did well in Grade 5 scholarship examination and school supplies were donated to another 10 number of children. Further, 10 pregnant mother were gifted with dry ration packs during the ceremony.

Meanwhile, Commander of the Army visit to Army construction CIMIC Park at 51 Infantry Division used for Sport, Recreation and Education support to peoples of Kopay area. Then the Commander of the Army closely saw the functional aspects of the CIMIC Park, Together with Jaffna Commander and General Officer Commanding 51 Infantry Division. To coincide with the commander’s visit, two energetic football teams in Jaffna played a friendly match in the CIMIC Park amid cheers. At the end of the game, the Army chief congratulated the winners and distributed a set of shoes among 35 youths who attended the CIMIC Park at that point of time.

The visit of the Commander of the Army assumed greater significance with the presence of General Officer Commanding of 51, 52 and 55 Infantry Divisions, Commander FMA (North), Brigadier General Staff and Brigadier Admin & Quartering of Security Forces Headquarters (Jaffna), Government Officials, Brigade Commanders, Senior Officers, Commanding Officers of respective battalions, troops in the Jaffna Peninsula and civilians in the area.