New Swimming Pool at ‘Ranaviru Apparels’ Handed to Differently Able War Heroes

Differently-able but professionally qualified War Heroes of the Army, now productively employed in the Army-owned ‘Ranaviru Apparels’ at Yakkala on Tuesday (17) received the privilege of using a new well-equipped swimming pool complex, an essential need for hydrotherapeutic treatment for many employees in this factory.

Lieutenant General Mahesh Senanayake, Commander of the Army during his second visit to the ‘Ranaviru Apparels’ as the Chief Guest, inaugurated the new swimming pool complex for the use of differently-able War Heroes working there in a simple ceremony, held at the premises.

On arrival, the Chief Guest was warmly received by Major General Amal Karunasekara, Chief of Staff of the Sri Lanka Army, accompanied by Deputy Chief of Staff Major General Dampath Fernando and a host of Senior Officers at the entrance to the main building complex at ‘Ranaviru Apparels,’ Yakkala. A drive-past Guard Turnout in conformity with military traditions, saluted the day’s Chief Guest.

A few minutes later, the Commander’s visit to the venue was made memorable by inviting him to plant a ‘Sandun’ sapling inside the compound as a gesture of memory of his visit to the place.

Lieutenant General Senanayake unveiled a plaque and afterwards lit the traditional oil lamp, surrounded by senior Army Officers, ‘Ranaviru Apparels’ Director Board members, Officers and Other Ranks before the swimming pool was formally vested in the War Heroes who remain injured, yet continue to perform a national service to the Nation, now being employees in the Army’s state-of-the-art garment factory at Yakkala.

A few minutes later, Venerable Ambalapitiye Dammika Thero, Chief Incumbent at Papolagasdeniya Viharaya invoked religious blessings. The Commander after the ‘Pirith’ chanting was over symbolically sprinkled blessed water into the new pool as a form of a ritual for an auspicious project.

The next segment of the day’s proceedings commenced with observance of a two-minute silence in memory of fallen War Heroes. A variety of para swimming competitions and the David Merrick memorial swimming championship, largely competed by those differently-able apparel War Heroes added colour and glitter to the opening ceremony.

Water Ballet Dance performances presented by cultural troupe members of the Sri Lanka Air Force and the Sri Lanka Army coloured the opening ceremony and entertained the gathering.

Afterwards, the Chief of Staff in the Sri Lanka Army and the Deputy Chief of Staff were invited to present tokens of appreciation to Army para-swimming groups and members of water sports, appreciative of their glittering and glamorous performances.

The event turned further important when the Commander of the Army was invited to launch the new Ranaviru Apparels official website as the final segment of the day’s programme. The new website will mirror the expertise of those War Heroes and fast developing techniques in the world in relation to the industry and the brand.

Presentation of an overview of the Ranaviru Apparels by the Commandant Brigadier Senaka Dassanayake marked the culmination of the day’s event.