25th October 2021 16:00:00 Hours
23 Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment troops of the 242 Brigade under the 24 Division of the Securtiy Force HQ - East, expanding its house construction for needy civilians constructed one more new house with sponsorship, extended by Australia-based Mr Athula Jayasinghe, a philanthropist cum social service activist.
Those troops under the guidelines given by Major General Chaminda Lamahewa, General Officer Commanding, 24 Division and under the supervision of Brigadier Chandika Peiris, Commander, 242 Brigade using their technical expertise constructed the house within a few weeks after raw materials were provided by the sponsor. The Second in Command, Major Dilum Wijethilaka of the 23 Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment actively participated in the completion of the project.
The beneficiary, Mr P Shanmugam of No 2, Victoria Watta, Sengamuwa, Pottuvil, a needy old father with his wife was without a home when their plight was brought to the notice of the troops.
On Tuesday (19), Major General Channa Weerasooriya, Commander, Security Forces - East as the Chief Guest during a simple ceremony inaugurated the new house in a warming ceremony that followed Hindu religious traditions. Unveiling of a plaque and lighting of the traditional oil lamp took place soon after the Chief Guest symbolically handed over the keys to the new house along with a gift parcel that contained household needs.
Around the same time, Major General Channa Weerasooriya planted a coconut sapling in the compound of the new house as a symbol of memory. He also expressed his appreciation towards the sponsor and the troops, involved in the project.
Major General Chaminda Lamahewa, General Officer Commanding, 24 Division, Brigadier Chandika Peiris, Commander, 242 Brigade and several Officers and relatives of the beneficiaries attended the warming ceremony.
