Continuing the quest to bring back a little bit of lost childhood to children in the north and provide them with an environment conducive to healing the wounds, inflicted by war, the 7th “Mahilchi Illam” (Happiness Centre) in the northern region was declared open on 31st October by Maj General G.D.H.K Gunaratne, Security Forces Commander, Wanni at Illuppukaduvai Government’s Tamil Mixed School in Mannar (GTMS).
The centre was sponsored by Action & Care Trust and renovated by the Sri Lanka Army’s skilled labour from the 541 Brigade, under the command of Col. Aruna Muhandiram and the guidance of Brig Maithri Dias, GOC of the 54 Division.
The bright hues of the centre illuminated the school, which is still struggling to come to life after resettlement in January 2010. The 432 children at Illuppukadvai GTMS joined hands with students of 5 other schools in the area, to welcome the guests who graced the occasion and the school was buzzing with excitement for the first time, with the opportunity to showcase their talents in dancing and singing, at the opening ceremony.
Amidst the blessings of religious leaders, the centre was ceremoniously opened by Maj General G.D.H.K Gunaratne and Ms Manori Unambuwe, project facilitator. Children showed great enthusiasm and wasted no time in trying out the various items like toys, art materials, books, etc., filling the racks. The biggest attraction proved to be the musical items, which children enjoyed, drumming away with wild abandonment and tentatively trying out the electric organ, which was a novelty. Some others were in fits of laughter, watching the cartoon Tom & Gerry, having the pleasure of watching TV for the first time in their lives.
The Principal at Illuppukadvai GTMS, Mr. T. Kohilaraja thanked the sponsors profusely, saying that this was the first time he saw the children so excited and happy and that the centre has brought a new sense of hope to these children of the area.
Maj. General G.D.H.K Gunaratne in his speech, requested the children to forget the past and focus on their studies and strive to become professionals in this beautiful country, which belonged to everyone.
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