Japan - Sri Lanka Friendship Association (JSFA), showing its goodwill towards the Army once again on Friday (19) donated two fire engines that can be used in the north and east during a brief ceremony at the Army Headquarters.
The JSFA, presided by Dr Lal Thilakarathne with the generous support of Japanese philanthropists and members of Japanese Lions Clubs, has been in the practice of providing many such emergency vehicles and equipment to the Army for a long period as symbols of ever-strengthening bonds of goodwill and friendship between the two nations.
The day’s donation ceremony of two fire engines kicked off soon after the Japanese donors and the Commander of the Army, General Jagath Jayasuriya arrived at the venue to a warm welcome. Traditional dancing troupes conducted them to the ceremony soon after the welcome.
Ichinomiya Lions Club, which has so far donated more than a dozen of ambulances and fire engines to the Army and the Japanese team, is comprised of a few Japanese donors, Dr Lal Thilakarathne, Dr (Mrs) Eranga Thilakarathne and members of their family.
Hoisting of National Flags of Japan and Sri Lanka, together with the Army flag and the subsequent playing of national anthems of both countries, signaled the formal commencement of the day’s proceedings. Religious rites and rituals blessed the occasion at the beginning of the itinerary.
A warm welcome followed recollection of the series of goodwill gestures that have been hitherto made by the JSFA to the Army, considering the national importance of assignments, being undertaken by the Army.
Brief addresses of Japanese representatives and Dr Thilakarathne, President JSFA brought the occasion to the apex when the Commander was invited to symbolically receive the keys for both vehicles, signifying the formal acceptance.
Attaching monumental significance to the event, the Commander of the Army, General Jayasuriya afterwards presented symbolic mementos to heads of the visiting donors and Dr Thilakarathne who has been the untiring live-wire behind the project for so many years.
The JSFA, founded in 1999, in addition to free donation of vehicles to the Army, has been at the forefront of donating a large stock of school accessories, community facilities and other essentials to both civilians and students alike.
Major General R.M. Daya Ratnayake, Chief of Staff, senior officers and a gathering of invitees attended the ceremony.
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