Ninety Five (95) Tamil girls from Kilinochchi District made history on 21 March 2013 being the 1st batch of female Tamil recruits to successfully graduated after completing a basic military training for 4 months. A glorious passing out ceremony was held at Security Force Headquarters (Kilinochchi) Parade Square on 21 March 2013 to mark the event. Brigadier R Rathnasinham the Director Sports Sri Lanka Army who is know to the most senior Tamil officer serving in the Sri Lanka Army participated as the chief guest of the event and took the salute from the newly passing out recruits. The success of the event is obvious due to the participation of more than 3000 local spectators including clergy, local and foreign dignitaries who witness the graduation ceremony. The event was graced with the arrival of Rt Rev. Dr. Daniel S. Thiagarajah the Bishop of Church of South India who presented the trophies for the recruits who excelled in the physical efficiency test and foot drill. The girl stood proudly and ever so energetically was a sight many would have witnessed during and after the passing out which is a sign of their contentment of achievement.
The success of the volunteer enlistment of these Tamil Girls did not happen overnight. It was the result of a prolonged and a successful trust and confidence building effort spearheaded by the Security Force -Kilinochchi over a period of nearly ten months. The empowerment of helpless and economically constrained women within the Kilinochchi district was commenced with the introduction of number of projects. The common aim and objective of the projects is to facilitate the women with better education and job opportunities where they could have a healthy atmosphere to prosper and to live a decent life.
The success of the volunteer enlistment of these Tamil Girls did not happen overnight.It was the result of a prolonged and a successful trust and confidence building effort spearheaded by the Security Force -Kilinochchi over a period of nearly ten months. The empowerment of helpless and economically constrained women within the Kilinochchi district was commenced with the introduction of number of projects. The common aim and objective of the projects is to facilitate the women with better education and job opportunities where they could havThe women empowerment programme included vocational training and skill development initiatives namely Flower Decoration workshop, English Classes, Sewing and Tailoring workshop,Embroidery, Personnel Hygiene Awareness Programme, Child Care and Protection awareness workshop, Cookery Classes and Beauty Culture. The ultimate aim of the programme was to encourage women to start a cottage industry or to pursue a suitable vocation of their preference. The main target group of the women was the widows and the youth who were looking for employment.a healthy atmosphere to prosper and to live a decent life.
The climax of the women empowerment initiative became a reality with the launch of female recruitment drive introduced in the Kilinochichi district. Out of the total of 305 applicants 109 Tamil Girls were selected after a series of interviews. However with the enlistment of Tamil girls to the Sri Lankan Army various individuals and groups with hidden interests criticized the process, nevertheless the brave Tamil girls endeavor to continue the military training despite many harassment and accusations. Their courage and enthusiasm needs praiseworthy commendations since their decision to join the Sri Lankan Army facilitated to reject long embedded misconception of ethnic tension, disparity and discrimination. Hence this single process led to mark a giant leap in the reconciliation process.
Wellbeing and welfare of these 95 girls was given due considerations and priorities. Every girl who does not have a house is entitled for a house nearly worth of 2.7 million rupees and steps have already being taken to construct 20 houses with the technical and manpower assistance of the Sri Lankan Army. Presently more than 95% construction works have been completed. 44 girls also received a motor cycle organized by the Security Force Kilinochchi with the assistance and cooperation of Commercial Bank PLC of Sri Lanka. There are many other welfare programmes and facilities made available for these 95 girls and their families to secure their future.
Certain websites published funny articles about the training curriculum of the women recruits. Highly unprofessional groups totally unaware of what military training is all about trying to roar does not have any effect as people in Kilinochchi witnessed the whole episode. The parents know the tremendous transformation effected in these girls which they are surprised and so happy. People in Kilinochchi are totally against those stupid articles which has no power to falsify the reality on ground.
