02nd September 2021 04:30:39 Hours
The daughter of an ambulance driver who drove hundreds of COVID patients to Ratnapura Teaching Hospital in the past 18 months in emergencies, but died of COVID-19 infection a few days ago while still on duty was awarded a special scholarship for her studies by General Shavendra Silva, Chief of Defence Staff and Commander of the Army after inviting her to the Gemunu Watch (GW) Regimental Centre at Kuruwita, Ratnapura a few days ago.
The girl student, Ms B.A Thilini Shashiprabha of Ratnapura Perguson Balika Vidyalaya studying in the A/L who is the one and only daughter of the deceased driver, Mr B.A Amarajeewa would accordingly be awarded this scholarship during her studies for the next couple of years. Mrs Nelum Waduge, Chairperson, Gemunu Watch Seva Vanitha Unit (GW SVU) implemented the Commander’s initiatives with financial support the GW SVU received from a donor from the area. On behalf of the Army Chief, the documents, related to the scholarship were presented to the beneficiary by Brigadier Roshan Jayamanna, Centre Commandant, GW Regimental HQ. The widow of the deceased driver accompanied her daughter to receive the incentive.
General Shavendra Silva on hearing of the tragic loss of the ambulance driver who had so dedicatedly worked for so many years at Ratnapura Teaching Hospital at the risk of his own life despite the surge of infectees in the province condoled with family members and offered his assistance for studies of the deceased’s daughter. Accordingly, the GW Regimental HQ made arrangements to this effect on the directions of the Army Chief and awarded the scholarship for her studies. The value of the scholarship stands at Rs 6,600 per month and covers two years until she qualifies for admission to the university.
