Army Initiative Distributes 100 Wheelchairs Among All Ethnicities

23 Division Headquarters of the Security Force Headquarters - East (SFHQ-E) of the Sri Lanka Army in Punani, sensitive to the most essential requirements of needy and handicapped civilians in the Batticaloa area, took an initiative and coordinated the distribution of 100 wheelchairs, donated by Mr Priyan Pushpakumara, a gem businessman from Ratnapura.

The gesture of goodwill, covering the entire region under the purview of the Batticaloa District Secretariat, was launched in close consultation with respective provincial Social Service Officers of the Department of Social Services, Grama Seva Officials and other stakeholders in respective areas. The most-needed recipients were selected from all ethnicities on the instructions of Divisional Secretariats in the Batticaloa District.

Major General Nandana Senadeera, Commander, Security Forces - East (SF-E) at the invitation of Major General Dhammika Pananwala, General Officer Commanding (GOC), 23 Division graced the distribution ceremony of those 100 wheelchairs to the worth of Rs 2 million, held at the 23 Division Headquarters premises a few days ago.

The Commander, SF-E, GOC, 23 Division and the donor, Mr Priyan Pushpakumara handed over those wheelchairs to the beneficiaries during the ceremony.

Many of those recipients, handicapped from birth or due to some other reasons were from needy families in far remote areas with economic hardships. The distribution was coordinated by the Commanding Officer, 17 (V) Sri Lanka Light Infantry (SLLI) on the instructions of the General Officer Commanding, 23 Division.

Religious dignitaries in the area, state officials, senior Army Officers and a large gathering were present at the location.