Security Force - East Troops Stage Multifaceted Children's Day Programmes

The Security Force HQ - East, together with its under command Divisions, Brigades, and Battalions launched a series of special entertainment programmes coinciding with the World Children’s Day during 01 - 04 October 2023 on a conceptual guidance given by Major General M.K.U.P Gunaratne RSP ndu psc IG, Commander, Security Forces - East (SF-E).

Accordingly, 15 Sri Lanka Light Infantry and 20 Battalion the Gajaba Regiment under the guidance of 22 Infantry Division conducted a children's day programme at Mollipothana Sinhala Maha Vidyalaya and the Parana Medawachchiya School.

All 455 children were provided lunch in both events. Moreover, 5 (V) Sri Lanka Artillery troops organized a celebration programme in Kantale Base Hospital for 150 children living in Kantale area. The programme was conducted with the assistance of Pediatric Specialist Mrs. Thilakshi Madurapperuma.

Furthermore, under the guidance of the 23 Infantry Division, 7 Light Regiment of Sri Lanka Artillery provided lunch to 130 students of Rotawa Alokarama Dhamma School and 12 Battalion Gemunu watch donated educational tools to 22 children at Sri Indrasara Child Development Center at Dehiaththakandiya.

The 232 Infantry Brigade meanwhile organized a drug prevention awareness programme in Central College Kiran for 464 students. The 233 Infantry Brigade troops repaired a building in the Wakarei Maha Vidyalaya and donated a wheelchair to the daughter of Mr. K.M Masurdeen, a needy child with a disability from a low-income family in Nawasenapura. The wheelchair was handed over to the child by the Commanding Officer of 9 Sri Lanka Artillery.

In addition, troops of the 24 Infantry Division distributed gift packs and provided lunch to 45 children from Vision Hope Pre-School. The 241 and 242 Infantry Brigades organized school book donation programmes for the 196 students of the Akkaraipattu, Manalchena, Thulasi and Sangamankanda area.

The school books were donated by the Chief Incumbent Venerable Warakapola Indrasiri thero and students of the Dhamma School of ancient Muhudu Maha Viharaya. 14 Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment in the meantime provided meals for 85 children and 11 teachers of Dhamma School of Magul Maha Viharaya at Lahugala.

18 Battalion Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment likewise distributed school shoes and equipment for the teaching staff and 40 students at Kalmunai Sinhala Maha Vidyalaya. 8, 11 and 16 Sri Lanka National Guard Battalions distributed gift packs, stationeries and provided lunch for 99 children of St. Joseph's Church Pre-School, Siyapath Pre-School, Neeththa and Maranatha Pre-School, Annamale respectively.

Moreover, under the guidance of the Forward Maintenance Area - East (FMA-E), 4 Sri Lanka Army Service Corps cleaned the ground of Hingurakgoda Bosath Children's Home.

3 Sri Lanka Army Ordnance Corps provided lunch for 25 children of the Rotawewa Weeramuthu Pre-school. A delicious snack and tea was provided by 2 Sri Lanka Corps of Military Police at the same occasion. 3 (V) Sri Lanka Army Corps of Agriculture and Livestock cleaned the Galkanda Pre-School premises while 3 Sri Lanka Electrical and Mechanical troops renovated the Maharatmale Rathmal Pre-School and Minneriya Children's Happy Garden.

Similarly, 5 Sri Lanka Army Medical Corps organized a lecture on personal and oral health and conducted a medical clinic by providing a meal for all 71 students of Thimbirigasyaya Junior High School.

All the programmes included various fun activities and treats for the children, including tea parties, special lunches, musical entertainment programmes, and a subsequent award of prizes to all of them. The primary objectives of those programmes were to bring joy to the kids by celebrating World Children’s Day.

Major General G.M.N Perera RWP RSP USP ndc, Major General K.V.N.P Premaratne RSP USP psc, Major General W Chandrasiri RSP USP psc, General Officers Commanding of 22, 23, 24 Infantry Divisions respectively and Major General M.W.T.C Mettananda USP ndc, Commander of FMA-E took the lead in arranging the programmes while Brigade Commanders and Commanding Officers of Battalions supervised all the arrangements.

Senior Officers, Officers and Other Ranks also took part in the series of events.