Wanni Troops Receive Updates on Welfare Measures Implemented

Hundreds of troops serving the 54 Division, 62 Division and 21 Division and the Security Force Headquarters - Wanni (SFHQ-W) assembled at their respective Headquarters to listen to the Commander of the Army, Lieutenant General Daya Ratnayake on Friday (12).

Major General Boniface Perera, Commander, SFHQ-W welcomed the visiting Commander in the company of respective General Officers Commanding in different Divisions.

In his address to separate gatherings, the Commander explained the series of welfare measures that had been implemented in the past few years with the support of HE the President and the Ministry of Defence for the benefit of troops and their families.

“Had that assistance failed to realize, many welfare projects such as construction of a state-of-the-art new Army Hospital, launch of Suwasahana loan scheme, insurance programme, new pre-fabricated billets, etc would not have been possible, causing inconvenience to Army personnel and their families. All those were made possible due to the support the Army received from the government after our priorities were projected,” the Commander added.

"Large allocations have been earmarked to give the best training opportunities to the troops both here and abroad. You should take interest in this and make use of these openings for training. Another area of importance is the steps that were taken to improve athletics and sports. To produce sportsmen and women of national and international standards as in the past, the Army has prioritized the promotion of sports and athletics as an essential component," Lieutenant General Ratnayake pointed out.

With the blessings of the President and the Secretary Defence, the Army successfully implemented the 'Suwasahana' loan scheme, for example. It has already given out Rs 11.2 billion worth loans by now. Similarly, an effective new insurance scheme is in place and all measures have been implemented to promote the welfare of those retiring from the Army by establishing a 'Job bank' for the retirees.

He also added that the Army's invaluable commitment and dedication has resulted in the construction of more than 14,000 houses for the civilians living in the north of the country. This was in addition to the erection or renovation of a large number of schools, Kovils, Buddhist Temples, Pre Schools, Community Halls, Play Grounds, etc. All these were made possible because of your untiring work and dedication, the Commander told the gathering.   

At the 54 Division Headquarters in Mannar, the Commander was invited to open their new sports complex, ‘Mathota Sports Arena’, comprised of a volleyball court.