Battle-hardened SLNG's Late Sergeant's Role Further Recognized Gifting New Home to His Family

Not forgetful of invaluable services and sacrifices late Sergeant W.M Kumaradasa of the 10 Sri Lanka National Guard (SLNG) Regiment made on behalf of the unitary status of the country, the SLNG Regimental HQ as per directions given by the SLNG Colonel of the Regiment and Commander of the Army, Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage added further recognition to his memory by erecting a new house for his widow and children in Kuda Kalaththewa, Anuradhapura on Saturday (8).

The monumental gift to the family of late Sergeant who contributed to the successful completion of the war against division of the country before May 2009 as a true warrior of the soil was made possible owing to the funds made jointly available by the Sri Lanka National Guard Regimental HQ and the Army Commander's Fund. The new house, erected by 4 SLNG troops, has three bed rooms, all sanitary facilities, dining and sitting areas and a spacious kitchen and cost Rs 2.2 million for the Army.

Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage, Commander of the Army and Colonel of the Regiment, SLNG, together with Mrs. Janaki Liyanage, President, Army Seva Vaitha Unit (ASVU) was welcomed by the widow of late War Hero offering a sheaf of betel before the day's Chief Guest unveiled a plaque and listened to the 'Seth Pirith' blessings, chanted by Buddhist monks before the symbolic key of the house was delivered to the spouse, Mrs H.M.S Kumarihamy and beneficiaries.

After ribbon-cutting, lighting of the traditional auspicious lamp and milk-pot boiling rituals ensued as the family members moved into their new dwelling along with Brigadier K.A. Keerthinatha, SLNG Centre Commandant, Senior Officers, SLNG Seva Vanitha ladies, relatives and well-wishers.

Adding further colour to the occasion, the Army Chief, ASVU President, SLNG Seva Vanitha ladies and well-wishers afterwards showered the widow and her children with vital gifts, including a refrigerator, a rice cooker, kitchen appliances, dry rations and other essentials as symbols of appreciative incentives.

During interactions, the Army Chief spoke to the widow and late Sergeant's children, inquired about their well-being and recalled the memories in the battlefield paying a special tribute to late soldier's memory. "Your beloved father did not die in vain, he did his utmost for the country before 2009 and it was your duty now to protect the dignity of his memory, " he told them.

The battle-hardened Sergeant W.M. Kumaradasa of 10 Sri Lanka National Guard while on service suddenly passed away in 2002 due to a heart attack. Major General W.P.A.B.W Nanayakkara RSP VSV USP ndu, General Officer Commanding of 21 Infantry Division, Colonel K.A.D.N.R Kannangara RSP IG, Colonel General Staff of 21 Infantry Division, Colonel N.H.J.M Nawarathne, Deputy Commandant of SLNG Regimental Centre, Senior Officers, Officers and Other Ranks participated in the house-warming ceremony at Kuda Kalaththewa, Anuradhapura.