Low-income group schooling children and poverty-stricken families in the Jaffna peninsula, thanks to the initiation and coordination of the Security Force HQ-Jaffna (SFHQ-J) received twenty two push bicycles to the value of Rs 500,000/= and a stock of 50 dry ration packs, each valued at Rs 5000/= respectively on Sunday (26), following sponsorship, extended by one Mr Rajikaran Shanmugarathnam, a Canada-based philanthropist.

The distribution, organized by the General Officer Commanding, 52 Division of the SFHQ-J under the guidance of the Commander, Security Forces - Jaffna, Major General Chandana Wijayasundara took place at the Cultural Centre, Chavakachcheri. The donor, Mr Rajikaran Shanmugarathnam, together with Major General Chandana Wijayasundara graced the occasion as Chief Guests, together with the General Officer Commanding, 52 Division, Major General Sanjeewa Fernando.

Most of those beneficiaries, selected from Chavakachcheri area, served by 523 Brigade troops were recommended by school authorities and respective Grama Seva officials.

The project, meant to enhance and strengthen trust, goodwill and confidence of the general public towards the Army was also attended by members of the Tamil community, parents and teachers. Mr Rajikaran Shanmugarathnam, the overseas-based donor, appreciative of Army roles in the peninsula offered his generosity towards the project at the invitation of the SFHQ-J.

Brigade Commanders, Brigadier General Staff of the Security Force HQ - Jaffna, Thenmarachchi Divisional Secretariat Officials, Assistant Superintendent of Police in Chavakachcheri, Principal at Chavakachcheri Hindu College, Senior Officers, Staff officers of the 52 Division and All Ranks in the 523 Brigade were also present during the distribution ceremony.