Distribution of ‘Virusara’ Privilege Cards to War Heroes at the Regimental Centre of the The Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment
The Third stage of Phase 2 of distribution of the ‘Virusara’ Privilege Cards for War Heroes and their families in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Police and the Civil Security Department (CSD) took place on 1st March 2016 at the premises of the Regimental Centre, Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment at Boyagane, Kurunegala in a ceremony, headed by State Minister of Defence Hon Ruwan Wijewardene (MP). This ceremony was organized by The Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment in collaboration with The Sri Lanka National Guard, both located at Kurunegala.
A total of 1136 beneficiaries, including family members of fallen War Heroes and disabled War Heroes received this special privilege card during the ceremony, that was attended by Eng. Karunasena Hettiarachchi, Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, Mr A.P.G Kithsiri, Secretary to the State Ministry of Defence, Mrs. Anoma Fonseka, Chairperson, Ranaviru Seva Authority (RSA), Commander of the Navy, Commander of the Air Force, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Army, senior officials of the Ministry of Defence, many senior tri-service officers, senior Police officers and Civil Security Department officials.
Commencing the day’s programme, a warm welcome was accorded to the Hon Minister and other guests by Major General K.C. Gunawardena, the Colonel of the Regiment, VIR. Eng Karunasena Hettiarachchi, Secretary Defence and Mrs Anoma Fonseka, Chairperson, RSA also addressed the gathering.
Launching of the ringing tone of the thematic song, ‘Sudu Paraviyanta Idadenna’, sung by Kasun Kalhara and introduced by Dialog Axiata PLC as a special stimuli to the project also took place during the ceremony.
Distribution of cards to 30 family members of fallen War Heroes and disabled War Heroes by Hon Minister together with the senior officials took place on stage whilst other senior officers of tri services, Police and CSD distributed the cards to others at the same time and this was followed by a brief address by State Minister of Defence Hon Ruwan Wijewardene. Cpl Senaratne DLM of VIR, one of the card recipients gave the vote of thank bringing the day’s event to an end.
The dancing performances by Sri Lanka Army Dancing troupe and Civil Security Department also added more colour to the programme.
