Swimming pool for keterians opened at Saliyapura

The much-needed Swimming Pool for hydrotherapy healing practices of thousands of disable soldiers of the Gajaba Regiment at Saliyapura, Anuradhapura, gifted by well-known philanthropist Mr Mahinda Ramanayake, following an initiative spearheaded by then Centre Commandant Gajaba Regiment, Colonel Sumedha Perera, was ceremonially opened on Friday (11) and dedicated to those Guardians of the Nation in the Gajaba Regiment.

Commander of the Army, Lieutenant General Shantha Kottegoda, gracing the occasion as Chief Guest expressed his commendation and appreciation to Mr Ramanayake, Colonel of the Gajaba Regiment, Major General Seevali Wanigasekera, Commandant, Gajaba Regimental Centre Colonel Kamal Gunaratne and all Officers and Other Ranks for their excellent team-spirit in making the project a huge success.

The one and only of its kind in the North Central Province has cost about Rs 13.2 million for completion and will be gradually open for soldiers of other regiments and students in public schools at Anuradhapura and its suburbs. The pool is 25 m long and 12.5 m in breadth and comprises a viewers' pavilion, wash rooms, kids' pool and separate changing rooms.

The inaugural ceremony, true to its sacred objective of the founding, saw how a representative group of disable Gajaba Keterians and a section of inter-regimental soldiers and students symbolically showed their talents in 4 x 50 m inter-battalion, and free style relays in the new swimming complex amidst cheers, thus marking the official opening of it on the occasion.

The idea of having a Swimming Pool complex, a concept that was mooted in 2002 during a visit made by Mr Mahinda Ramanayake to the Saliyapura camp on an invitation extended to him by Deputy Inspector General of Police Mr Mahinda Beddewela, was brought to the attention of Mr Ramanayake by Colonel Sumedha Perera who was then serving as Centre Commandant Gajaba Regiment. The foundation stone for the project was laid in July 2003 after landscapes were prepared close to a small tank. Since the inception of the Gajaba Regiment, 129 Officers 2956 Other Ranks have to-date paid the supreme sacrifice on behalf the motherland. A similar number of Keterians has received injuries and turned disable as a result of the war that was fought.

Day's simple ceremony kicked off with its proceedings minutes after arrival of the Chief Guest Lt. Gen Kottegoda, Commander of the Army and Mr Mahinda Ramanayake who were conducted to the pavilion preceded by a bevy of traditional Kandyan dancers. As they finished taking their seats, the Gajaba song, inculcating a new round of vitality and bravery among all ranks, rent the air as all invitees were preparing themselves for a two-minute silence to remember fallen war-heroes and tsunami victims.

The traditional oil lamp that symbolizes beacon of hope, light and wisdom was the next centre of attraction as invited guests walked to set light to the lamp that heralds the onset of day's itinerary. Lt Gen Kottegoda and Mr Ramanayake were joined by DIG Mr Mahinda Beddewela, Naval and Air Force Commanders in the North Central Province and Major General Seevali Wanigasekera.

In his address to the occasion, Major General Seevali Wanigasekera paid a fitting tribute to pioneers of his Regiment and spoke high of former Army Commander Lt Gen L. P Balagalle, incumbent Commander, Lt Gen Shantha Kottegoda, DIG Mahinda Beddewela, Colonel Sumedha Perera, Blue Waters Company Ltd and all other agencies for their unstinted cooperation for the project.

Seconds after, Lt Gen Kottegoda in the company of Mr. Mahinda Ramanayake accompanied by Major General Seevali Wanigasekera afterwards opened the plaque to formally declare that it was open to the troops.

The 50 m free style stroke by disable Gajaba soldiers, 4 x 50 m inter-regiment disable medley relay, 4 x 50 m inter-battalion free style relay and powerful strokes by 4x 50 m inter school teams were among the highlights of the day as cheering soldiers joined hands together with invitees to send their greetings and best wishes for their fellow-swimmers.

Organizers, unfailing in their gesture of goodwill to the donor, Mr Ramanayake, then went on to present the Good Samaritan with a token of appreciation where the words in his citation amply praised him for his fabulous gift and his “thoughtfulness.” Lt Gen Kottegoda, giving cordial greetings and best wishes to Mr Ramanayake awarded the memento to him on behalf of the Army as invitees lent a thundering applause.

Token gifts and merit certificates for all swimming teams were also shared among participants before the ceremony wound up with the vote of thanks raised by Colonel Kamal Gunaratne, Centre Commandant to be followed by the National Anthem. A large gathering of invitees and guests including Major General Parami Kulatunga, Commander, Security Forces Headquarters Wanni, DIG Mahinda Beddawela were also present