Hours after the Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya inaugurated the count down to the 10 day long commemoration ceremonies in connection with the Army’s 61st Anniversary and Army Day (10th October) at Anuradhapura Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, the Commander of the Army declared open the newly constructed ‘Thal Sewana’ Holiday Resort at Kankasanthurai in Jaffna Saturday (2) evening.

Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya received a drive past Guard Turnout as he enters the headquarters complex of the Security Forces Jaffna (SF HQ – J) a few minutes before he was received by the Commander Security Forces Jaffna Major General Mahinda Hathurusinghe. Later on he unveiled the plaque on the newly constructed Holiday Resort and declared it open for the public.

Minutes after the opening he planted a tree sapling in the complex as a token of memory to his visit to the place.

Thalsevana Holiday Resort the second resort type hotel to be owned and managed by the Army is the first of its kind in the whole Jaffna peninsular. Newly opened 31 roomed beach resort located along the picturesque northern coastline offers its visitors the opportunity of experiencing the luxurious comforts at very reasonable rates and caters to the general public as well. Any visitor to Jaffna will also have the privilege of having a prior reservation of its 9 luxury rooms and 22 semi-luxury rooms through the telephone numbers 021-2225245 (Staff Officer SF HQ – J) or 021-3219777 (Thalsevana). 

The Commander of the Army in his tour of Jaffna visited Task Force 7 and 55 Division in Iyyakachchi area the following day (3) to review the work and the wellbeing of the soldiers in those areas.

On arrival the Commander was awarded a Guard Turnout by the soldiers at the entrance to Task Force 7. Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya unveiled a plaque and planted a tree sapling in Task Force 7 premises to mark his visit. Commander Task Force 7, Brigadier A.W.M.P.R. Seneviratne gave a briefing on operational and various other matters to the Commander of the Army and conducted him to the Other Ranks Mess where Lieutenant General Jayasuriya shared a couple of thoughts with soldiers as he enjoyed the refreshments with all ranks.

As the Commander enters the 55 Division area the soldiers on guard accorded Lieutenant General Jayasuriya a Guard Turnout. Thereafter the Commander unveiled a plaque and declared open the new Main Dressing Station of the 55 Division. He also planted a tree sapling at 55 Division to mark his visit to the place. Thereafter Brigadier A.L.S.K. Perera, General Officer Commanding 55 Division gave a briefing of events and situation to the Commander of the Army. Lieutenant General Jayasuriya also did not forget to spare some time to donate school items to 24 children of newly resettled population in Vettalaikerni, Kadeikadu area.

The Commander of the Army addressed more than 1500 soldiers of both 55 Division and Task Force 7 prior to wrapping up of his two day visit to Jaffna Peninsula Sunday (3) evening.

Commander Security Forces Jaffna Major General Mahinda Hathurusinghe accompanied the Commander of the Army during the entire visit.