The role of disable War Heroes at Yakkala Ranaviru Apparels was recognized and well-evaluated Friday (23rd) evening when the Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya awarded gifts to them in appreciation of their contribution to Army uniform manufacturing.
Twenty five War Heroes who showed exceptional skills in the sphere of special tailoring, knitting, sewing, etc were thus appreciated during this award ceremony, graced by Commander of the Army and a large gathering of retired officers, serving officers and distinguished guests.
The Commander of the Army as the Chief Guest was warmly welcomed by the Sri Lanka Army’s Adjutant General, Major General E. P. de Z. Abeysekera who is also a member of the Management Board of the Ranaviru Apparels.
The ceremony began with the lighting of the traditional oil lamp by the chief guest and other guests. Major General Abesekera addressing the gathering on behalf of the Director Board welcomed the guests and appreciated the Commander’s presence to recognize the untiring services of the disabled war heroes.
The musical band of the Sri Lanka Army entertained the gathering that included many disabled warriors providing an evening full of music which was followed by the distribution of awards by the chief guest.
Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya extolling the dedication of the past and present employees of the Ranaviru Apparels appreciated their devoted services.
Former Chief of Defence Staff and Commander of the Army General (Retired) R de S Daluwatta, Major General (Retired) J. Nammuni, Major General D. R. A. B. Jayatillake, Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) U. Gajanayake and many senior Army Officers, staff members of the Ranaviru Apparels and many disabled war heroes were present at the occasion. Dr. R. U. Kuruppuarachchi, a former Director of the Ranaviru Apparels who had toiled a lot for the founding of the Ranaviru Apparels was also present.
The Ranaviru Apparels which was initially started in 1997 with 90 disabled War Heroes in Yakkala extended its production with the inauguration of the second factory in Alawwa in the year 2009. 15 disabled Officers and 1300 disabled soldiers are serving in the two factories at present.
Here is the full text of the Commander, Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya’s speech on the occasion of the award ceremony at Ranaviru Apparels;
“I am privileged to be associated with the annual Ranaviru Apparels Award ceremony that recognizes the contribution made by each employee on an yearly basis.
All of you, during the mission to safeguard the territorial integrity of the motherland sweated and spilled blood while sacrificing your legs and limbs. Consequent results of that dedication, well known to all Sri Lankans, are now being enjoyed, which itself is a matter of pride to all of us, I must say. You are one of the most celebrated citizens in this country after having contributed to the eradication of terrorism that lasted for over 3 decades.
You become still more important and dignified because, despite your physical disabilities caused by the destructive war, you still continue to lead your life as a prominent citizen of this country, working well ahead of others, simultaneously without you becoming a social burden or a liability unto yourself either.
The sixty percent of the annual uniform requirement of the Army, now with a workforce of about 2 lakhs, is being supplied by you with correct specifications and high degree of quality. As you all know, with the objective of meeting the entire uniform requirement of the Army through your productions, one more new factory was bought from Alawwa area around the first quarter of the year. It was the money earned through your labour, that purchase was made possible. I am of the view that once full production process starts off in this new factory, the Army would be able to save a huge quantum of money that is generally pumped to buy uniforms from elsewhere, which itself is a victory.
Your productivity and efficiency contribute to the successful process of your production and thereby your teamwork and collective efforts bring results, without being dependent on new equipment or technology, I firmly believe.
We, as a professional Army which has received a reputation across the globe, should work to sustain the dignity that we have achieved, no matter the work we are engaged. Your discipline and training received from the Army could therefore be used for this purpose.
Let me express my best wishes and greetings to all officers and other ranks who received awards and excelled in the year 2009 showing their talents. Likewise, others must be determined to collect these awards in the coming years having worked with dedication.
Let me also pay my tribute to the advisory board and management of this institute for successful conduct of affairs. Particularly, the civil staff in the management board, despite the heavy workload is providing a commendable service to the Army. I salute all of them.
In conclusion, let me thank all those providing support for the betterment of the Ranaviru Apparels. May Triple Gem bless you all who are working in this place and may you have strength and courage to get your vocational abilities further improved and promoted. (Ends)
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