30th April 2026
The Directorate of Veterans’ Affairs and Rehabilitation organized the “Viru Sisu Pradeepa” Scholarship Awarding Ceremony on 29 April 2026 at the Army Headquarters, recognizing the children of veterans who excelled in the Grade Five Scholarship Examination in 2023 and 2024.
Lieutenant General Lasantha Rodrigo RSP ctf-ndu psc IG, Commander of the Army, together with Mrs. Swendrini Rodrigo, President of the Army Seva Vanitha Unit (ASVU), attended the event as Chief Guests.
Upon their arrival, they were warmly received by Brigadier R.G.L.K. Weerakoon RWP RSP, Director of Veterans’ Affairs and Rehabilitation. The ceremony commenced with the lighting of the traditional oil lamp, followed by a tribute in remembrance of fallen war heroes and a traditional welcome dance. The welcome address was then delivered by the Director of Veterans’ Affairs and Rehabilitation.
Thereafter, the Commander of the Army, together with the President of ASVU, presented scholarships to the students. Major General Y.A.B.M. Yahampath RWP RSP ndu psc, Chief of Staff of the Army, together with Mrs. Darshani Yahampath, Vice President of ASVU, Major General K.V.N.P. Premaratne RSP USP nps psc, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Army, together with Mrs. Vindya Premaratne, Secretary of ASVU and Major General H.H.K.S.S. Hewage RWP RSP USP rcds psc, Adjutant General of the Army, also joined in distributing scholarships among the recipients.
A total of 66 students were selected for the scholarship programme, while 58 students symbolically received their awards during the ceremony. Each student was presented with a bank book credited with Rs. 25,000.00, along with books, school bags and cash boxes.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by one of the student recipients, followed by refreshments. Senior Officers, Officers, Other Ranks and students, together with their parents, participated in the event.
