‘OPPORTUNITY’, the new state-of-the-art officers’ mess hall at the Security Forces Headquarters - East (SFHQ-E) at Welikanda with four storeys high, saw its ceremonial opening on Wednesday (17) after it was completed in record 142 days upon foundation-laying.
Secretary Defence Mr Gotabaya Rajapaksa at the invitation of the Commander of the Army, Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya graced the inaugural house-warming ceremony as Chief Guest at Welikanda, in the company of Major General Boniface Perera, Commander, SFHQ-E.
The new construction, though originally estimated to cost around Rs 150 million, was finally brought to completion at an unbelievable cost of Rs 35 million and is comprised of a separate auditorium, a lecture hall, two restaurants, a VIP suite and five luxurious rooms, all of which were built with manpower provided by the troops of the Engineer Service Regiment (ESR) and the SFHQ-E. Some of the raw materials for the construction have been provided by several donors and well-wishers.
‘OPPORTUNITY’, the mess for stationed officers in the East is an architectural creation of the renowned architect, Mr Udula Bandara who made it an exceptionally unique one with a 50 ft high waterfall, viewing roof platform, flower garden plus picturesque landscape.
Soon after the Chief Guest reached the main entrance to the SFHQ-E, he was received warmly by Commander of the Army and Commander, SFHQ-E. A drive-past Guard Turnout and a Guard of Honour greeted Mr Gotabaya Rajapaksa and the visiting Commander of the Army.
Moving away from the typical formal agenda in ceremonies of this nature, Mr Rajapaksa and Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya were initially conducted to catch a glimpse of the Army-owned metal crusher, stalled in the lie of the land, surrounded by flower plants, bushes and creepers. This metal crusher has supplied nearly 400 cubes of metal for this construction with no extra cost to the Army.
As the auspicious moment struck, Mr Rajapaksa unveiled the main plaque that signified the ceremonial opening of the ‘OPPORTUNITY’, to be followed by uncovering of another plaque by Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya which narrates the legendary story behind the establishment of the SFHQ-E in Welikanda and inaugural opening of the new building. Pirith chanting by Maha Sangha and milk pot boiling ritual on the occasion blessed the new complex and the house-warming ceremony.
The next item on the agenda afterwards permitted Major General Boniface Perera, Commander, SFHQ-E to welcome distinguished guests and present the saga of how the SFHQ-E took the challenge of erecting the new ‘OPPORTUNITY’ of this magnitude suiting international standards. Distinguished visitors later on viewed the entire complex together and expressed happiness over its completion within a short span of time, less than 4 months. Towards the end of the day’s ceremony, all officers serving the SFHQ-E sat together with Secretary Defence Mr Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Commander of the Army for a group photo.
Secretary Defence Mr Gotabaya Rajapaksa at the invitation of the Commander of the Army, Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya graced the inaugural house-warming ceremony as Chief Guest at Welikanda, in the company of Major General Boniface Perera, Commander, SFHQ-E.
The new construction, though originally estimated to cost around Rs 150 million, was finally brought to completion at an unbelievable cost of Rs 35 million and is comprised of a separate auditorium, a lecture hall, two restaurants, a VIP suite and five luxurious rooms, all of which were built with manpower provided by the troops of the Engineer Service Regiment (ESR) and the SFHQ-E. Some of the raw materials for the construction have been provided by several donors and well-wishers.
‘OPPORTUNITY’, the mess for stationed officers in the East is an architectural creation of the renowned architect, Mr Udula Bandara who made it an exceptionally unique one with a 50 ft high waterfall, viewing roof platform, flower garden plus picturesque landscape.
Soon after the Chief Guest reached the main entrance to the SFHQ-E, he was received warmly by Commander of the Army and Commander, SFHQ-E. A drive-past Guard Turnout and a Guard of Honour greeted Mr Gotabaya Rajapaksa and the visiting Commander of the Army.
Moving away from the typical formal agenda in ceremonies of this nature, Mr Rajapaksa and Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya were initially conducted to catch a glimpse of the Army-owned metal crusher, stalled in the lie of the land, surrounded by flower plants, bushes and creepers. This metal crusher has supplied nearly 400 cubes of metal for this construction with no extra cost to the Army.
As the auspicious moment struck, Mr Rajapaksa unveiled the main plaque that signified the ceremonial opening of the ‘OPPORTUNITY’, to be followed by uncovering of another plaque by Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya which narrates the legendary story behind the establishment of the SFHQ-E in Welikanda and inaugural opening of the new building. Pirith chanting by Maha Sangha and milk pot boiling ritual on the occasion blessed the new complex and the house-warming ceremony.
The next item on the agenda afterwards permitted Major General Boniface Perera, Commander, SFHQ-E to welcome distinguished guests and present the saga of how the SFHQ-E took the challenge of erecting the new ‘OPPORTUNITY’ of this magnitude suiting international standards. Distinguished visitors later on viewed the entire complex together and expressed happiness over its completion within a short span of time, less than 4 months. Towards the end of the day’s ceremony, all officers serving the SFHQ-E sat together with Secretary Defence Mr Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Commander of the Army for a group photo.
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