14th February 2024 21:26:05 Hours
The Directorate of Welfare held a comprehensive programme today (14 Feb) at Army Headquarters to enhance the lives and wellbeing of dedicated soldiers. Under the direction of Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage RWP RSP ndu, Commander of the Army, the initiative aimed to provide assistance in the fields of health, medical services and education.
Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage graced the occasion as the chief guest. After the chief guest's arrival, the programme began with the welcome speech delivered by Major General W.W.H.R.R.V.M.N.D.K.B Niyangoda RWP RSP VSV USP ndu psc, Adjutant General, followed by the lighting of the oil lamp and the display of an introductory video.
As the first segment of the event, the Commander of the Army, together with other Senior Officers, distributed school accessories packs to the children of soldiers who excelled in the Grade 5 scholarship exam in 2022 and 2023. Symbolically, 25 students received their school accessories packs from the Commander of the Army. Furthermore, arrangements were made to distribute the same school accessories packs among 635 children.
Following that, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for a Cashless Medical Claim Policy was exchanged between representatives of selected private hospitals and the Commander of the Army. Thirty-three private sector hospitals across the island pledged their support, enabling Army personnel to access medical facilities seamlessly. Under this agreement, the Directorate of Welfare will directly settle hospital bills through the Suwasahana Insurance Scheme, ensuring swift and hassle-free healthcare for servicemen and women. Additionally, Asiri Hospital Holdings PLC pledged to sponsor two cardiology surgeries monthly, each valued at 1.5 million, for the children of needy soldiers. The first donation was granted for Mechanized Infantry Regiment soldier’s son for his cardiology surgery.
Next, Rs. 5000 worth of ‘Study Buddy’ web applications were distributed among 25 children present at the occasion and further arrangements were made to distribute 275 ‘Study Buddy’ web applications among 275 soldiers’ children. Mr. Sidesh Sanjeewa made this donation through the coordination of the Directorate of Welfare to facilitate students in their studies.
Later on, the Directorate of Welfare donated 1 million worth of reading books to the Army Headquarters Library for the use of soldiers.
Afterwards, Adjutant General presented a special memento to the Commander of the Army. At the end of the day's proceedings, Major General W.M.S.C.K Wanasinghe RSP USP, Director General of the Directorate of Welfare delivered the vote of thanks.
Major General W.H.K.S Peiris RWP RSP VSV USP ndu, Chief of Staff, Major General S.P.A.I.M.B Samarakoon Hdmc Lsc, Deputy Chief of Staff, Major General M.K Jayawardena RSP VSV USP ndu, Commandant, Sri Lanka Army Volunteer Force, Senior Officers, Officers and Other Ranks participated in the event.
