Published on - 7/31/2005
Fluttering Japanese and Sri Lankan national flags at the sports ground at Army Headquarters, Colombo to the tune of Japanese and Sri Lankan national anthems on Sunday (24) marked the formal acceptance of a consignment of four ambulances, one fire-engine and 240 wheel chairs, donated by a team of Japanese philanthropists to the Army for the third consecutive time within a span of three years.
The initiative, taken by Japan-Sri Lanka Friendship Association (JSLFA) with unflagging support it received from Mr.Katagiri Hiroaki, Mayor of Ginan, Japan and several other Japanese donors, including Messrs Ogura Akchika, Sekia Masaaki, Komiyama Tomio under the able guidance of Ven. Hanwelle Dhammaloka thera, Patron (JSLFA) and Dr Lal Tillekeratne, Chairman, (JSLFA), saw the Sri Lanka Army gifted with four ambulances, one fire-engine and 240 wheel chairs during a colourful function, headed by Hon. Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapakse as Chief Guest, Mrs Rajapakse, Commander of the Army Lt. General Shantha Kottegoda and Mrs Kottegoda. Of the total, 140 wheel chairs were to be donated to disable members of the public through Lion Clubs and Rotary Clubs.
Seconds after hoisting Japanese and Sri Lankan national flags and also the Army flag, Japanese and Sri Lankan national anthems rent the air, highlighting the importance of the occasion and equally reminiscing bonds of goodwill and ancestral ties that last between both nations. Hon. Prime Minister, Mr. Katagiri Hiroaki, Mayor of Ginnen and Lt Gen Shantha Kottegoda attended the flag hoisting before the proceedings were moved to light the traditional oil lamp.
The brief welcome speech by Major General Basil Peiris, Master General Ordnance, Sri Lanka Army afterwards gave way to the address by Ven. Hanwelle Dhammaloka Thera, Patron, (JSLFA) who expressed his appreciation towards the sacrifices and dedication of the members of the Armed Forces for the sake of the country and also the symbolic value of the Japanese philanthropy. Brief orations made by a Japanese philanthropist, Dr Lal Thilakeratne, Chairman, (JSLFA) and Lt. General Kottegoda saw finally Hon Prime Minister Rajapakse, delivering a brief address to the occasion where he extolled the Japanese gesture of goodwill and ever-lasting friendship between two countries. That followed the performance of cultural feats by the Army cultural troupe, adding colour to the occasion.
The climax of the occasion, symbolic acceptance of their donations on behalf of the members of the Army and the public was then done by the Prime Minister on the invitation of the Army Commander, Lt General Kottegoda. Fifty of those wheel chairs were also gifted to the Prime Minister for distribution among the disables in the country.
Mrs Sonia Kottegoda as President, Army Seva Vanitha Unit symbolically accepted a stock of school equipment, expected to be shared among sons and daughters of Ranaviru families of the Army.
In recognition of their gesture of goodwill and dedication for the welfare of the Sri Lankan nation, special mementoes were presented to each and every member of the Japanese delegation before the two-hour long ceremony came to an end with votes of thanks
