24th August 2022 20:30:00 Hours
Mr K.P. Chandraratne, Founding President of the 'Foundation for Civilian Bravery' arrived at the Army HQ this morning (24) and presented a copy of his recently-authored 'Civilian Bravery in Sri Lanka 1993 - 2018', an anthology of acts of civilian bravery in the past 25 years until the year 2018 to the Commander of the Army, Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage.
The author during the cordial interactive meeting explained to Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage the series of most notable brave acts, performed by members of the general public at the risk of their own lives in the past, and the reasons that led to the founding of this exclusive Foundation, aimed at appreciating and recognizing those acts of incredible nature. The anthology would certainly serve as a tribute to their undying acts, such as rescue from drowning in the sea, presence of mind during motorbike and vehicle accidents, prevention from train accidents, timely action during unexpected emergencies, etc, the author remarked.
The Army Chief spoke high of the contribution that has been made by members of the civil society to this date in times of emergencies and said that the timely gesture of establishing an organization of this nature has easily enabled the civil society to give due recognition to acts of such bravery as the Army does round the clock irrespective of the nature of the challenge. He also wished him good luck with his organization and its continued progress in the future.
The "Foundation for Civilian Bravery" came into being on 13th January 1993 as a Trust of Mr Kasun P. Chandraratne, the Founder and current President of the Foundation, which has been presently incorporated by an Act of Parliament Act No 4 of 2009. As the maiden activity, the Foundation in the year 1993 recognized the ferryman of Ukwatta in Kalutara who died in his attempt to save 6 passengers when his ferry capsized in the middle of the river. Often, those unsung heroes undertake risks to their own lives to save others without any obligation. Therefore, the paramount duty of any civilized society, especially in the context of the present-day social environment, should be focused on recognizing such heroic deeds, Mr Chandraratne maintains.
Towards the end of the cordial meeting, Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage symbolized the goodwill of the Sri Lanka Army by awarding a memento to Mr. K.P. Chandraratne.
