23rd July 2023 22:16:41 Hours
Mr Sagala Ratnayaka, Chief of Staff and Senior Adviser to the President on National Security, together with Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage RWP RSP ndu, Commander of the Army inaugurated the troops-built special ramp for the handicapped and devotees with special needs at Ratnapura Sri Sumana Saman Devalaya premises on Sunday (23) morning amid a distinguished gathering of invitees.
Responding to a request made by the Basnayake Nilame and Saman Devalaya authorities, 6 Corps of Engineer Services (6 CES) troops constructed the 265 feet- long ramp in less than two months on the directions given by the Army Chief. Troops provided the manpower and technical expertise while the Saman Devalaya authorities provided required raw materials following sponsorship, lent by Lions Club International of Ratnapura, District 306 C/2.
In addition, the troops laid granite tiles and simultaneously built a retaining wall around the ‘Bodhi Maluwa’ with a special passage for the handicapped.
The project was completed in consultation with Department of Archaeology after Mr Sagala Ratnayake, Chief of Staff and Senior Adviser to the President on National Security at the request of Saman Devalaya authorities turned to the Army seeking technical and engineering expertise. The Commanding Officer of 6 CES closely supervised the entire construction.
During the brief event, Mr Sagala Ratnayaka and officials of the Lions Club International of Ratnapura shared their thoughts and commended the tiring and excellent work, undertaken and performed by the troops. Moreover, Devalaya authorities in appreciation of the successful completion of the project presented special mementos to both Mr Sagala Ratnayaka, Chief Guest for the occasion and Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage, Commander of the Army.
After the symbolic unveiling of the plaque, a few handicapped War Heroes of the Army and a crowd of elderly persons warmed the new ramp and reached the Sri Sumana Saman Devalaya for offerings.
Members of the Maha Sangha in the area, the General Officer Commanding of the 61 Infantry Division, Senior Officers, Officers, Government Officials in the area, Members of the Lions Club International of Ratnapura and Other Ranks took part in the event.
