Japan-Lanka Friendship Association, presided by Dr Lal Thilakarathne which has been at the forefront since 1998, providing the Army with ambulances, fire engines, medical equipment and other accessories, has once again reassured its continuing goodwill and donated one more ambulance and three fire engines worth Rs. 124 million for use of the Army this morning (26).
Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya acknowledged this valuable donation during a special ceremony at Army Headquarters playground. The 14 member Japanese delegation, accompanied by Dr. Lal Thilakarathne, President, Japan-Lanka Friendship Association and Ven. Hanwelle Dhammaloka thero, the patron of Lal Thilakarathna foundation included Mayor for Ginan city and two more Japanese municipal councilors who have also supported the project. District Governor of Lions Club District 306 C 1 Lion Ananda Balasuriya and Mrs. Seetha Balasuriya were also present at the occasion.
The day’s itinerary commenced as Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya, Mr Matsubara Hideyasu, Mayor of Ginan city and Chief of Staff Major General R.M.D Rathnayaka hoisted the Sri Lankan National Flag, Japanese National Flag and the Army Flag respectively as Sri Lankan and Japanese National Anthems rent the air.
After brief speeches made by Japanese delegates, Dr Lal Thilakarathne and Army Adjutant General Major General A.P. de Z. Abeysekera, the ceremony reached its peak as the stage was set to receive the donation.
Lieutenant General Jayasuriya to signify the acceptance of the donation symbolically received the keys to the new ambulance and three fire engines from the Japanese philanthropists on the occasion.
Lieutenant General Jayasuriya afterwards presented special mementoes to Japanese donors as tokens of gratitude and goodwill and extended his personal compliments to the donors on behalf of the Army in appreciation of their continuing support to the Army.
The visiting Japanese delegation during their 7 day stay in Sri Lanka is expected to have audience with HE the President Mahinda Rajapaksa, donate books and spectacles to students at Sigiriya schools and visit places of religious and cultural importance in Dambulla, Kandy and Sigiriya.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
