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Sri Lanka Army

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MoD's 'Viru Sisu Pradeepa' Schol Programme's 3rd Phase Offer Grants to Ranaviru Children

The ‘Viru Sisu Pradeepa’ scholarship 2009 programme, organized by Ministry of Defence (MoD) for award of financial assistance to children of tri-service and Police War Hero families who excelled in Grade 5 scholarship examination, got underway this morning (15) at Defence Services College (DSC), Colombo 2.

Secretary of Defence Mr Gotabaya Rajapaksa, the brainchild behind the initiation of the project with the funds received to the MoD’s National Defence Fund, graced the occasion as Chief Guest along with Mrs Ioma Rajapaksa, President MoD Seva Vanitha Branch, Chief of Defence Staff and Commander of the Air Force, Commanders of the Army and Navy, Inspector General of Police, MoD additional secretaries, MoD Military Liaison Officer and many senior tri service and senior officers.  

A total of 176 children of late War Heroes, those War Heroes went missing in action and those War Heroes who became disable during the war for peace, received Rs 25,000/= each in the presence of their parents. Those grants deposited in National Savings Bank pass books  were presented to those children by Mr Rajapaksa during the ceremony at DSC Monday (15) morning. This was the third phase of this annual programme, organized by MoD, in which gift parcels containing school bags and other educational items were also given away.

“The best welfare that can be offered in the name of fallen War Heroes should be directed towards the promotion of education among those children of late and disable War Heroes. This was a national duty and we all should strive together in this direction. We should make this college the best one in Colombo after promoting standards of education. I know that the authorities as well as teachers in this school are working tirelessly to achieve that target,” Mr Rajapaksa during his brief address told the gathering.

Several colourfully-designed cultural spectacles and musical events that showcase War Hero children’s talents, presented before the attendees, attracted the public attention. 

A large number of parents, children, soldiers, sailors, airmen and Police personnel attended the award ceremony.