Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya, Commander of the Army, together with senior officers, participating in the annual Flag Blessing Ceremony at Anuradhapura Jaya Sri Maha Bodhiya on Monday (1), ensured that dependent War Heroes, residing at ‘Abimansala’, wellness resort, were not forgotten as the Army’s 63rd anniversary is fast drawing nearer.
In a dramatic move, the Commander before anything else, went directly to see dependent Private E.R.R.I Indika (6 Gajaba Regiment), a newcomer to the wellness resort who could not enjoy the hospitality of the sanatorium earlier, but was moved for residence there soon after his whereabouts were made known.
This dependent War Hero after serious injuries to his spine during the final phase of the Humanitarian Operations became paralyzed and was confined home to live with his mother and the brother. Unaware of welfare roles being pursued by the Army in co-operation with the Seva Vanitha Army Branch (SVAB), this dependent War Hero has, through the help of Facebook, tried to find an electric wheelchair for himself through some contacts.
However, Ministry of Defence, Commander of the Army and the SVAB soon after the news reached them that an unattended War Hero was on the look out for a wheelchair through the Facebook, jumped into action and the SVAB, on the instructions of the Army Chief made inquiries into his needs after tracing his home address in Narammala.
Arrangements were promptly made to provide him with a wheelchair and bring him to Anuradhapura ‘Abimansala’ for rest and recreation since his Narammala home doesn’t have adequate therapeutic facilities.
Not withstanding, while his stay is made comfortable at A’pura, his family is to get a new SVAB house, thanks to Mrs Manjulika Jayasuriya, President, SVAB.
The Army Chief during his near three-hour stay in the Abimansala complex after the main ceremony at Jaya Sri Maha Bodhiya took time off to lunch together with about 50 yesteryear resident War Heroes who are now dependent for the rest of their lives after serious injuries, sustained in the war against terrorism.
He talked to them, greeted them and inquired into their well-being and problems, if any. As all the inmates flocked together to the dining area to have a glimpse of their Army Chief and share lunch, interacting with some of their former Commanding Officers too, the centre turned out to be a beehive.
Before his exit from the venue, which is very close to his heart and soul, the Commander presented three more new wheelchairs, donated by Mr H.N.B Herath, a retired engineer who was concerned about the well-being of those valiant War Heroes.
Lieutenant Colonel W.M.K Bandara, Commandant, ‘Abimansala’ warmly received the Commander and his retinue on arrival at the venue.
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