WHEN WEDDING BELLS chimed for visually handicapped War Hero, Private K. Thushara of 7 Sri Lanka National Guard (SLNG), now under rehabilitation following battlefield injuries, he was exceptionally lucky to receive not only a beautiful life-time partner but also a new house, donated by a philanthropist.   

Mrs Laly Kobbekaduwa, Chairperson, Lieutenant General Denzil Kobbekaduwa Foundation after the philanthropist, Dr. Mrs C. Pallewela offered her patronage for house construction, selected Private K. Thushara (25), now under special education at Ragama Ranaviru Sevana who had by then chosen his new fiancée for marriage. Private Thushara was donated the plot of land by a foster mother since he had been brought up without his both parents. 

Private Thushara sustained trapping injuries on 17th August 2008 and became totally blind while he was in the battlefield off Kokkuthuduwai, Welioya fighting LTTE terrorists. Private Thushara, skilled in IT and English language continues to receive special education at Ragama Ranaviru Sevana.   

The bride who had shown her magnanimity towards this totally blind War Hero has never expected a newly built house for themselves as a gift on the very date of the wedding. But the couple was twice blessed. The new house cost Dr Mrs Pallewela Rs 5 lakhs and the land at Dangalla, Kirindiwela was donated by Mrs Wijekanthi Mudannayaka, Private Thushara’s foster mother.

Mrs Kobbekaduwa, appreciative of the house construction donation made by Dr Mrs Pallewela entrusted the supervision of the house-making to the Ragama Ranaviru Sevana. Within a matter of few weeks private sector builders completed the project.  Much-awaited wedding day and the home-coming were organized according to traditions, but both of them were unaware until the last minute that they were going to be the owners of a new house, built by Lieutenant General Denzil Kobbekaduwa Foundation.

Everything worked according to the plan as relatives of the newly wedded couple accompanied both of them on home-coming trip in a colourful procession. Girls played the band as villagers in the area assembled to greet the new couple amidst fluttering National Flags and decorations.

Mrs Laly Kobbekaduwa, Dr Mrs C. Pallewela, Colonel K.D.C.G.J Thilakaratne, Commandant, Ragama Ranaviru Sevana, Colonel J.V Siriwardena, Lieutenant Colonel M.P Chandrasena, Major B.C.S Kumara and several other guests attended this rare wedding ceremony and extended their best wishes and greetings to the new couple. Guests and the couple lit the traditional oil lamp and inaugurated the new house after the National Flag was hoisted outside the house by distinguished guests. A table of traditional sweet meats and milk rice afterwards entertained the guests.