01st September 2021 00:22:59 Hours
As a request made by the National Thalassemia Organization– Katunayaka , Security Force (West) launched a Blood Donation Campaign, as per the directions promulgated by the Head, National Operation Centre for Prevention of COVID-19 Outbreak (NOCPCO), Chief of Defence Staff and Commander of the Army General Shavendra Silva, with the close supervision of Major General D G S Senarathyapa RWP RSP ndu, Commander Security Forces (West) to aid the accute shortage of blood at Ragama Blood Bank, during the current COVID -19 pandemic situation.
The blood donation campaign was held successfully from 0800 hrs to 1600 hrs on 31st August 2021 at the Bodhirajarama Army temple – Panagoda premises. All the Officers and Other Ranks of Security Forces (West) showed a great enthusiasm in donating their blood for this noble task. There were 270 blood donors who took part and donated their blood. Those who have been injected first and second dose of COVID-19 vaccine were only selected to donate blood.
During the campaign the Commander of the Army made a surprise visit to the location and evident that programme was in operation enthusiastically. He took time off to share few thoughts with blood donors and the medical staff at the location. Adjutant General, Commander Security Forces – (West), Brigadier General Staff (SFHQ West), Brigadier Admin and Quartering (SFHQ West) few Senior Officers and Other Ranks were also presented during the arrival of the Commander of the Army.
The entire blood donation campaign was held in accordance with health regulations in preventing COVID -19 pandemic. Medical staff of the National Blood Centre at Narahenpita, Regional Blood Centre at Ragama , Regional Blood Centre at Kaluthara and few Army medical staff were also involved in the programme. The mutual support rendered by the Army personnel of Security Forces (West) to uphold the standards of the blood donation campaign is highly appreciated. The National Thalassemia Organization and Blood Bank- Ragama expressed their gratitude for the participants for their support during this time of need.
