WEST TROOPS LAUNCH SEVERAL PROJECTS IN LINE WITH VESAK FESTIVAL - 2023

In Sri Lanka, the Vesak festival is a grand affair, and the West troops play a vital role in ensuring its success every year. Accordingly, several notable projects from the Army personnel of Security Forces (West) were conducted within the Security Forces (West) Area of Responsibility in line with the Vesak Festival - 2023.

Highlighting this great poya day, as well as with the intention of ensuring the health and hygiene of the patients and public who are visiting Kothalawala Defence Hospital, a Shramadana campaign has been organized with the participation of 15 Army personnel of 7 (v) Battalion of the Gajaba Regiment, which is temporarily under command to the 142 Infantry Brigade of Security Forces Headquarters (West).

Meanwhile, Army personnel belonging to the 142 Infantry Brigade collaborated with the residents of the area and the Divisional Secretariat Thimbirigasyaya to decorate the road from Borella to Nugedoda with Buddhist flags and lanterns prior to the Vesak Festival. The project aimed to add more beauty to the Vesak Festival in the Colombo area. The Army personnel's assistance was closely supervised by the Sector 03 Commander, who gave the guidance of the Commander 142 Infantry Brigade.

At the same time, troops from the 3 (v) Battalion Gemunu Watch of 613 Infantry Brigade of 61 Infantry Division, along with the residents of the area, contributed their manpower to conduct the Shramadana campaign on 04 May 2023. The project was supervised and coordinated by the 613 Brigade Commander and Commanding Officer of 3 (v) Battalion Gemunu Watch. The campaign aimed to clean and beautify the Rathnapala Maha Pirivena Migadaya premises located at Matara Fort to prepare for the Vesak Festival.

In addition, troops of 6 Field Sri Lanka Artillery of 141 Infantry Brigade organized a ‘Manioc Dansala’ near their camp premises on 05 May 2023 for devotees going on pilgrimage to the Veyangoda area on the occasion of Vesak. The project was conducted under the close supervision of the Brigade Commander 141 Infantry Brigade and the Commanding Officer of 6 Field Sri Lanka Artillery.

By the way, the collective effort of the Army personnel from 16 Battalion Gajaba Regiment and 1 Sri Lanka National Guard also launched another ‘Bath Dansala’ near to the Brigade Headquarters at Sellakandawatta, Puttalam on 05 May 2023, for the devotees. This charitable project was totally monitored by the respective Commanding Officers and the Commander, 143 Infantry Brigade.

Moreover, the contributions of Army personnel to these projects showcase their dedication and commitment to ensuring the success of the Vesak Festival. Their efforts not only beautified the festival's venues but also helped to foster a sense of community spirit among the residents of the area. Further, the projects have been conducted under the guidance of both General Officer Commandings 14 and 61 Infantry Divisions, with the instructions of the Commander Security Forces West.