21st December 2018 21:44:18 Hours
Intending to have a wider platform of understanding and interaction, Major General Aruna Jayasekera, Commander, Security Forces - East (SF-E), had a series of courtesy calls on key state officials, multi-religious dignitaries and attended the mega Christmas Carols, organized by the Security Force Headquarters - East (SFHQ-E) in Batticaloa town on Wednesday (19).
At first, he met with Ampara District Secretary (DS), Mr. D.M.L Bandaranayake at the Ampara District Secretariat where he had cordial discussions with the DS Ampara on timely issues, pertaining to the Ampara District and insisted the need to have an effective communication network and a close coordination among state authorities and members of the Security Forces to contribute towards achieving sustainable development goals in the area. He also had a field visit to the 24 Division Headquarters, to be received by its General Officer Commanding and all ranks.
Later on, Major General Jayasekera met Islamic religious leaders in the Ampara District at a meeting, arranged at the Mosque in Nintavur during his stay in Ampara.
Cordial discussions that ensued with Mosque Trustees of the Ampara Muslims Association, headed by Dr. S.M.A Azeez, Trustee - Mohideen Jummah Mosque, Kalmunai discussed possibilities of further strengthening peaceful co-existence in the Eastern Province with focus on prevailing security situation and widely spreading drug menace as well as the need to improve effective communication methods that could quickly address any issue.
Subsequently, the 'Christmas Angelic Eve - 2018', the annual Christmas Carols, organized jointly by the SFHQ-E and the 231 Brigade at Gandhi Park, Batticaloa got to a start adding festive spirits to the whole area as dusk fell. A distinguished gathering, including Major General Aruna Jayasekara as the Chief Guest watched the spectacular display along with a host of Senior Officers including Commander 231 Brigade.
The Christian community in the area supported the troops for organizing the spectacle with the cooperation of the 23 Division and the 231 Brigade. The welcome dance stole the hearts of the gathering, followed by the welcome note read out by Rev. Fr. Rohan. The event was made more solemn with lighting of the oil lamp and the message of Christmas delivered by His Lordship Bishop of Batticaloa, Rt Rev. Dr Joseph Ponniah who reminded the gathering of the true meaning of Christmas. The Choirs of Ampara Church, Navatkudah Church, Soori Kalmunai Church, St. Cecilia College along with the Army Choir sang odes and hymns jointly to the Prince of the Peace, Jesus Christ. A few cultural features added colour to the spectacle.
Commander, SF-E addressed the gathering and extended greetings to all. District Secretary for Batticaloa, Mr. M. Uthayakumar, Mayor of Batticaloa Mr. T. Sarvanapavan, DIG Batticaloa, Mr. Nuwan Wedasinghe, Municipal Commissioner for Batticaloa Mr. Sithiraval, Commander FMA (East) Major General Manoj Mudannayake, General Officer Commanding 24 Division Major General Mahinda Mudalige, Commandant Infantry Training Centre Minneriya Major General Suraj Bangsajayah, Commandant Army Training School Maduruoya, Major General Jayantha Senevirathne, General Officer Commanding 23 Division Brigadier Kapila Udalupola and 231 Brigade Commander were among the distinguished gathering.
Furthermore, Major General Aruna Jayasekera, paid field visits to the Headquarters of 3 (V) Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment (VIR) and 16 Sri Lanka National Guard (SLNG) in Ampara on Wednesday (19) as part of his familiarization itinerary in the eastern province. jordan release date | adidas Yeezy Boost 350
