In commemoration of its 25th anniversary, the 53 Division (Reserve Strike Force) troops at Digampathana, Dambulla took part in several religious and community projects on Sunday (9), organized by the 533 Brigade on the instructions of Major General Priyantha Senarathne, General Officer Commanding (GOC), 53 Division.

At first, the troops offered alms to 12 Buddhist monks under training at Dambulla Sri Jinarathana Bhikku Training Centre before they provided a sumptuous lunch to the children at Children’s Home in Dambulla.

533 Brigade Commander, Brigadier Nishantha Jayasundara on behalf of the General Officer Commanding, 53 Division participated in both programmes.

In addition, the 53 Division Headquarters using its own funds completely repaired the sanitary infrastructure and bathing points inside the Children’s Home to coincide with the anniversary.

Senior Officers, Officers and Other Ranks were associated with the programmes.

Meanwhile, in parallel with the anniversary, 533 Brigade of the 53 Division organized a blood donation drive on Monday (10) with the participation of the staff at Blood Transfusion Bank at Dambulla Hospital.

533 Brigade Commander, Brigadier Nishantha Jayasundara on behalf of the General Officer Commanding, 53 Division participated in the programme and donated blood with others in the Brigade.

Meanwhile, on account of the forthcoming 25th anniversary of the 53 Division on August 24, a special religious ceremony, held at Anuradhapura Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi precincts on Wednesday (12) invoked blessings on flags of all under command units in a symbolic arrangement. Major General Priyantha Senarathne, General Officer Commanding (GOC), 53 Division, together with Senior officers and other ranks joined the ceremony.

Meanwhile, Christian mass to bless the 53 Division's 25th anniversary got underway at St Anthony's Church in Inamaluwa on Saturday (15).

Major General Priyantha Senarathna, General Officer Commanding, 53 Division joined the service as the Chief Guest with Officers and Other Ranks. |