THE Army while embarking on an era of reconciliation, goodwill and development has also prioritized welfare of War Heroes, particularly of those who received multiple injuries in the battlefields and are confined to bed or wheelchairs, expecting lifelong care and society’s affection.
The Seva Vanitha Army Branch (SVAB) under the project theme ‘Brave Hearts’ officially gave its kick-off Thursday (18) morning at Mount Lavinia Hotel for construction of the much-awaited ‘Wellness Resort’ (Abimansala) where disable and totally dependent war veterans can seek mental and physical solace, rest and recreation for the rest of their lives.
Thursday morning’s press briefing, designed particularly to spell out modalities as regards construction of the proposed Abimansala at Anuradhapura at a cost of about Rs 150 million was presided by Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya, Commander of the Army who is also the brainchild behind the proposed project.
Lieutenant General Jayasuriya outlined the mission, objectives, project and what this resort expects to do for dependent War Heroes with multiple injuries who should feel well cared, loved and not forgotten for the rest of their lives.
‘Soon after I took office as Commander I gave this undertaking to those soldiers saying that a proper infrastructure mechanism would be put into action for their benefit. Those we have selected for this project at the first phase are from Anuradhapura area, out of some 228 odd totally dependent war veterans. In Wanni alone, more than twenty thousand soldiers received injuries, many of which were minor and curable. Similar provincial places for rest and recreation of those war veterans are also to be built up later on after completion of the Anuradhapura ‘Abimansala’, as the pivotal one, the Commander said.
‘I wanted to initiate this project as early as possible since people tend to forget priceless contributions, made by valiant soldiers several months ago for the sake of the country. Their sacrifices remain in the hearts of grateful people for ever and will be remembered fondly. This ‘Wellness Resort’ at Anuradhapura will cure both mind and will. They will feel they are being well cared, loved and even their families are well taken care of under an arrangement of this nature,’ Lieutenant General Jayasuriya added.
The proposed Abimansala will consist of 8 villas, each with four beds and TV facilities. Five-two bed room villas that could accommodate four persons in each, separate units for physiotherapy, counseling, hydro therapy, library, multi purpose activities, recreation, etc are also to be set up in the complex. The management of the center will be done by a board appointed by Commander of the Army while the SVAB will raise funds, share expertise and overlook maintenance of the project. All public donations are to be deposited in Bank of Ceylon, special ‘Brave Hearts’ Account no 9846021 and a separate annual audit is to be conducted on the funds. The audit report will be available to the public online through the Seva Vanitha Branch page on Army Website (www.army.lk)
All those wishing to contribute to this worthy cause, fully owned and managed by Sri Lanka Army can do so, either through Army Website (Seva Vanitha page) or by directly sponsoring any wing or medical equipment or anything as needed for the project.
Major General Sanjeewa Munasinghe, Medical Advisor, Sri Lanka Army presented a detailed account of medical needs and special accessories at the proposed ‘Wellness Resort’.
Mrs Manjulika Jayasuriya, President Seva Vanitha Army Branch (SVAB) who spearheads the project on behalf of the Army told the gathering how the SVAB has launched different projects to muster financial support for its fruition. A Fashion Show staged recently at Mount Lavinia Hotel for the same purpose earned the SVAB Rs 2 million while sale of greeting cards too got us some Rs 3 lakhs. She also appealed the media to help sustain awareness among the masses as it is also a duty on the part of the public to support a project of this nature.
Mrs Jayasuriya elaborating further on the forthcoming fund raising project, ‘Tharu Dilena Reyak’, expected to go on boards at Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium on 17th July 2010, requested the public to buy a ticket for this musical evening and help them continue with the construction.
A host of donors, philanthropists, popular artists and film idols, including Sabeetha Perera, Anoja Weerasinghe, Channa Perera, Chandana Wickramasinghe, Dusshanth Weeraman and several others participated in the press briefing.
Major General Daya Rathnayaka, Chief of Staff and the tele-drama actor, Channa Perera also contributed to the session. Major General Prasad Samarasinghe, Director Media welcomed the gathering and presented introductory remarks to the occasion.
Major General Wasantha Kumara Director General Engineer Services, several senior Army Officers, members of the SVAB executive board and media personnel attended the day’s arrangement.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
