17th July 2020 21:45:27 Hours
The visiting Head of the National Operation Centre for Prevention of COVID 19 Outbreak (NOCPCO), Chief of Defence Staff and Commander of the Army, Lieutenant General Shavendra Silva commencing his two-day itinerary in the Jaffna peninsula this afternoon (17) ceremonially, opened the new state-of-the-art Indoor Gymnasium and the Physical Fitness Centre, built inside the 55 Division Headquarters at Kadaikadu, Jaffna.
It also joins history as this visit constitutes the first-ever one of an incumbent Commander of the Army to the 55 Division HQ in Kadaikadu the peninsula.
Erected on an initiative of Major General Sampath Kotuwegedara, General Officer Commanding, 55 Division with the blessings of Major General Ruwan Wanigasooriya, Commander, Security Forces - Jaffna, the new Indoor Gymnasium, equipped with facilities for utility needs, was fully sponsored by AIA Insurance Company Ltd and National Savings Bank, thanks to the facilitation made by Lieutenant Commander (Retd) D. M. S Jayawardene, one of the senior Navy officers at the request of the Jaffna Commander.
The day’s Chief Guest, Lieutenant General Shavendra Silva on arrival at the premises was received by the Jaffna Commander, together with the General Officer Commanding, 55 Division after he was honoured in a formal drive-past Guard Turnout salute. Lighting of the traditional oil lamp and unveiling of a plaque and ribbon-cutting, signalled the formal opening of the new gymnasium.
Showing his keen interest, the day’s Chief Guest closely inspected all physical training accessories inside the new utility building and inquired into different aspects of modern PT equipment, installed in the premises.
A brief meeting that took place in the premises after the formal opening of the gymnasium saw a few distinguished guests addressing the gathering including sponsors after Major General Sampath Kotuwegedara, General Officer Commanding, 55 Division delivered the welcome note. The occasion also witnessed the day’s Chief Guest and those sponsors awarded special mementos in appreciation of their gracious presence and support, extended to the project.
In a special gesture, Lieutenant Commander (Retd) D. M. S Jayawardene, taking a voluntary initiative on the same occasion paid his respect and recognized the tireless contribution of Lieutenant General Shavendra Silva’s role as one main driving force behind the fight against COVID-19 transmission in the country by way of presenting a special memento to Lieutenant General Shavendra Silva.
The construction of an Indoor Gymnasium remained a need of the 55 Division HQ troops at Kadaikadu for many years, but lack of resources prevented it from being a reality until this requirement was projected to the Jaffna Commander.
Ms Koshila Jayawardena, Chairperson, National Servings Bank, Mr Channa Dunusinghe, Senior Regional Manager, AIA Insurance, Kegalle and Mr Nilantha Bandara, Manager, AIA Insurance, Kegalle following coordination done by the true admirer of the armed forces, Lieutenant Commander (Retd) D. M. S Jayawardene, sponsored the entire construction with the manpower and technical assistance, provided by the 55 Division troops themselves.
This huge construction of 110 ft long, 60 ft wide and 35 ft high comprises a pavilion, badminton court and a fully-fledged physical fitness centre and has been completed as a utility building at a cost of Rs 6.5 million. Nike air jordan Sneakers | Nike Air Max 270 - Deine Größe bis zu 70% günstiger
