SECOND FAMILY TRIP ORGANIZED BY SECURITY FORCE HEADQUARTERS (WANNI)

Taking soldiers welfare a step further, the Security Force Headquarters (Wanni) organized the second pilgrimage / educational / leisure trip for the families of soldiers and civil servants covering Anuradhapura, Mannar, Thalaimannar, Mihinthale, Thanthirimaale, Madhu and Welioya areas during 06, 07 and 08 April 2018.

The Family Trip is a concept introduced by the Commander Security Force (Wanni), Major General Kumudu Perera RWP RSP USP ndu. His expectations from the trip are to create an atmosphere for the families to develop a long lasting bond between families and to enable soldiers to participate in a trip as a whole family. It was encouraging to observe the positive reactions of soldiers and families building that rapport among members of families in a relaxed, friendly and warm environment. Soldiers too are awarded an opportunity to break the monotony of their daily routine work schedule and relieve their stress.

29 families comprising of 133 members of Snr NCOs, Jnr NCOs, Privates and Civil Servants took part in the three day program. During the entire visit the Security Force Headquarters provided free comfortable accommodation, all meals & refreshments, Transport, guidance, medical assistance and narrations at all visited places. Comfortable accommodation was arranged at the “Rathnamalee Vishrama Shalava”. All expenses were borne by the Security Force Headquarters. At the commencement of the trip they were welcomed in a traditional ceremonial manner with a hevisi band and Kandyan dancers and they were seen off in a similar manner on their departure.

The grand finale was the visit to the Security Force Headquarters (Wanni) where they were received by the BGS, Brigadier Kuma Jayapathirana and the BAQ, Brigadier Ranjan Premalal along with other staff officers. The event was a musical evening with a banquette style sumptuous dinner for everyone. Commander Security Force Wanni Major General Kumudu Perera too graced the occasion. It included handing out gifts for all children and awarding singing opportunities to family members. Every child under school age was given a soft toy and every school child was given a set of stationaries. Special event of the evening was the Raffle Draw won by the family of Mr. U D Lal Kumudu, a civil worker in Wanni Headquarters.

A Board comprising Col T M Abeyrathne RSP Lsc, Lt Col S A B Dissanayake RWP RSP, Lt Col G B W M R K R Bandara RWP RSP, Lt Col B M R J Bandara, Lt Col S R S M Arachchige, Lt Col K D L C Wijenayake RWP RSP USP and Lt Col R M U I Bandara facilitated and organized the entire trip very successfully.