10th December 2021 12:00:33 Hours
A gathering of Senior Officers and invitees, headed by Major General Vikum Liyanage, Commandant, Sri Lanka Army Volunteer Force (SLAVF) were present on Sunday (5) at the Sri Lanka Army Volunteer Force Training School (SLAVFTS) in Diyatalawa when the School ceremonially opened a spacious facility complex which remained a long standing need of the establishment.
In compliance with the Sri Lanka Army 'Way Forward Strategy 2020-2025' (SLAWFS) as suggested by the Chief of Defence Staff and the Commander of the Sri Lanka Army General Shavendra Silva, the new welfare building, 'Six in One Mall' Multi-Facility Welfare Complex, consists of a Mini plaza, Cafeteria, Stationery Shop, Salon, Tailor Shop and a Laundry for use of the trainees and the staff was built by Engineer troops.
The Commandant, Sri Lanka Army Volunteer Force Training School (SLAVFTS), Colonel H.A Keerthinatha after a warm welcome to the day's Chief Guest for inauguration of the facility, took time off to closely show him around the SLAVFTS camp compound in the company of the Deputy Commandant, Senior Officers, Brigadier Logistics, Inspector of Training and several SLAVF Officers soon after the inauguration of the new welfare complex.
A drive-pass Guard Turnout greeted the day's Chief Guest before he was warmly welcomed to the premises by Major General J.D.C.G Jayasinghe, the Deputy Commandant SLAVF and the Commandant SLAVFTS. Then, the proceedings commenced with unveiling of the stone plaque and declared the 'Six in One Mall' Multi-Facility Welfare Complex opened amidst with blessings of 'Seth Pirith' chanted by members of the Maha Sangha.
The visiting SLAVF Commandant was afterwards invited to plant a 'Naa' sapling in the camp premises as a symbol of memory. During the camp visit, Commandant SLAVFTS inspected all training facilities and evaluated the infrastructure development status and other facilities that need to be improved in the SLAVFTS to meet desired standards. Further, he expressed satisfaction over current constructions, rapid progress and future forecasts.
He also sat with Senior Officers to discuss identified areas of guidelines, as elaborated in the 'Way Forward Strategy' Chapter Five (Section 5.45 to 5.53). Towards the end, he was invited to appear for a group photograph with all Staff Officers at the SLAVFTS and joined refreshments with invited Officers and Officers in the School.
Towards the culmination of the itinerary, the Commandant SLAVFTS presented a memento plaque to the Chief Guest as a symbol of appreciation. The Chief Guest also left compliments in the Visitors' Book, and his departure.
The Chief Guest was also invited to address the troops where he expressed his opinions and gave directions of the future development strategy of the SLAVFTS, in line with the Sri Lanka Army Way Forward Strategy 2020 -2025.
An alms-giving on the following day (6) invoked blessings on the SLAVFTS and its staff. The events strictly followed health protocols and preventive guidelines.
