The ceremonial opening and handing over of the 59 Division Army-built new pre-school building at Arumukatthankulam village in Maritime Pattu AGA Division in Mullaitivu was held on Monday (30).

Arumukatthankulam village with over 25 pre-school kids did not have a permanent building for a nursery until the Army took an initiative in this connection.

Those kids sans a building were learning under the shade of a tree until the troops noticed it and brought the matter to the attention of Major General L.B.R Mark, Commander, Security Forces Headquarters, Mullaittivu (SFHQ-MLT).  

On the instructions of SFHQ-MLT, 59 Division troops undertook this noble task and completed the construction of a new building within a matter of two months. It cost the Army about Rs 6 lakhs.

All tables and chairs required for the pre-school were also gifted by the Chief Guest at this opening ceremony.  Arumukatthankulam civilians and a large gathering attended the opening ceremony.  A dancing display by those pre-school children added glamour to this event.   

Major General L.B.R Mark, Commander Security Force Headquarters, Mullaitivu, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Mr. N Vethanayahan, District Secretary for Mullaitivu and Brigadier G.R.H Dias, General Officer Commanding, 59 Division attended as Guests of Honour.

Mr Thireskumar, acting Divisional Secretary Maritime Pattu, Mr Vartharaja Moorthi, Zonal Director Education, Brigadier S.A.R Samarasinghe, Commander 592 Brigade, Brigadier S.K.G.N.B Ehalamalpe, Commander 591 Brigade, Commanding Officers, government officials and some villagers of the Arumukatthankulam village were also present.

Financial assistance for the project was granted by General Officer Commanding, 59 Division, Brigadier G.R.H Dias. Total manpower requirement for this project was provided by the 20th Battalion the Gemunu Watch (GW), under the supervision of Brigadier S.A.R Samarasinghe Commander 592 Brigade.