Commanderâ€™s Concept for Dependant War Heroes Turns a Reality

THE AUSPICIOUS foundation-stone laying cum ground breaking ceremony for the Seva Vanitha Army Branch’s (SVAB) brainchild, ‘Abhimansala’, the wellness resort for totally dependent War Heroes following a concept proposed by Commander of the Army took place at Anuradhapura Saturday (15) morning before Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya and a host of guests including donors, well-wishers, supporters and artists.

‘Brave Hearts’, the project conceptualized by Commander of the Army that musters support and implements its construction work, led by Mrs. Manjulika Jayasuriya, President SVAB as the main fund raiser for the project is expected to house 50 totally dependent disable War Heroes at one time for rehabilitation, rest and recreation in the company of their family members, if they so desire.

The Chief Guest for the inaugural ground breaking and foundation stone laying ceremony was none other than Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya, Commander of the Army who has stood as the tower of strength for this mega welfare project. On arrival at the entrance to the venue, he was warmly received by Major General Kamal Gunaratne Security Forces Commander Wanni, Colonel Athula Ariyaratne, Anuradhapura Area Commander and SVAB President.

A brief presentation on the outline of the entire project, forwarded by an officer in the Engineer Services Regiment enlightened the gathering before the dawn of the auspicious minute.

Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya afterwards at 10.35 a.m. conducted the ground breaking ceremony by cutting the first sod at the site of the construction, to be followed by foundation stone laying ceremony after a few minutes.

Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya, Mrs Manjulika Jayasuriya, distinguished invitees and SVAB members joined the cornerstone laying to the tune of auspicious drums and amidst Pirith chanting along with donors on the occasion. Multi religious performances were conducted by members of the clergy of all four major denominations. Most Venerable Pallegama Siri Sumana Dhammarakkitha Siri Nivasa Thero, chief incumbent for Atamasthanaya conducted the Buddhist rites.

Mrs Lesha de Silva (Mobitel), Mrs. Jayantha Darmadasa (Chairperson Sinhala Business Community, Kandy) Ms Manjula Wickramaratne (David Wickramaratne & Company Ltd), Mrs Samantha Sumathipala (Sumathi Group of Companies),Mr. Piyal Hennayake (Hatton National Bank), Mr. Suminda Ratnayake (Etisalat), Ms Chamari Jayarathne and several well known donors and philanthropists who have pledged their support to the project also joined the stone-laying ceremony.

Of them, Ms Jayantha Dharmadasa made a donation of Rs 1 million on the occasion, representing Kandy Sinhala Business Community. Mrs Chamari Jayaratne, spouse of Mr Gamini Jayarathne, Chairman Jayaratne Florists presented a cheque worth Rs 1 lakh for the project. Similarly, Mrs Samantha Sumathipala contributed a sum of Rs 1 lakh to the worthy project. Mrs Manjulika Jayasuriya, President SVAB received the donations at the venue.

The proposed ‘Abimansala’ “Wellness Resort” the first of its kind by Sri Lanka Army is to cost approx Rs. 200 million. The location of the proposed construction by the side of the ‘Nuwara Wewa,’ lakeside in Anuradhapura has more than 4 acres in extent. Subsequently, a few more centers are to be set up at regional level with the funds generated thereafter.

Present statistics show that there are approximately 300 plus soldiers who became totally disable with multiple injuries. Those injuries range from spinal cord, brain damage and many other disabilities such as amputations, impaired hearing, vision, speech defects, paralysis, and so on.

Most of these War Heroes are in their prime youth with a full life span, ahead of them, but with permanent disabilities. The majority of them are wheel chaired or bed-ridden or have impaired mobility, requiring a variety of assisting devices. Therefore, post injury care is vital for their survival. However, most of these veterans face difficulty once they go home, as the infrastructure at home is inadequate to accommodate their needs. Most importantly, specialized nursing care needed by some, cannot be obtained at domestic level. Majority of them are from very rural areas that lack even basic needs and some do not have proper shelter, either.

Those war veterans who took over a magnanimous burden in the name of the country and are now burdened with traumatic experiences deserve this type of relaxation for the rest of their lives.

The proposed resort consists of an administrative centre, Visitor centre with accommodation, Accommodation for bed ridden soldiers with severe injuries such as brain, upper spinal cord, etc.

Those special War Heroes are closely supported by eight rooms with special accessories, each with 4 beds & TV facilities, Accommodation for War Heroes with injuries to brain, spine, limbs, yet ambulant with assistance are to be provided 5 two bed room villas each with 4 member accommodation, Health room consisting of Physiotherapy / Hydrotherapy / Counseling rooms / Ayurvedic treatment, laboratory, recreational centre that includes library, theatre, spa, religious centre, music room, games, etc. Kitchen and house keeping unit, staff quarters for doctors, nurses, officers and minor staff are also among other features that would come up.