27th June 2023 21:36:43 Hours
A variety entertainment project presented jointly by Tamil and Sinhala students who follow the 55 Infantry Division-initiated English, Tamil and Sinhala teaching courses added glamour and amusement to the invitees and parents from Kaddaikadu and Kevil areas on Saturday (24) during a special ceremony, held at the 55 Infantry Division premises.
The students showing their linguistic skills and talents left a lasting impact on the spectators in the area as they have almost completed the English, Tamil and Sinhala proficiency in classes, organized by the 55 Infantry Division HQ on an initiative, taken by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 55 Infantry Division, Major General M.K.U.P Gunarathna RSP ndu psc IG with the blessings of the Commander, Security Forces - Jaffna.
Those children, now capable of exchanging their views in Tamil, Sinhala and English languages stood as symbols of reconciliation and ethnic harmony and all of them were coached and guided by Captain J.M.J.D Ranasinghe, English Instructor at the SFHQ-J under the supervision of the Civil Affairs Coordinator Lieutenant Colonel K.K.D.R Chaminda.
The event was staged with the aim of infusing and motivating the students for language proficiency while providing the children with a platform to express themselves in English and build their confidence in the language in front of their parents.
With the participation of more than 150 students, the Variety Show featured an array of performances including English, Sinhala and Tamil Songs, Dramas, Poems, Speeches and Dances. All the performers in the event were presented with gifts and the event was followed by a special lunch at Nature Park Holiday Resort Chundukulam for invitees and a gathering of more than 500 civilians who were entertained to lunch.
The General Officer Commanding of the 55 Infantry Division graced the variety show as the Chief Guest, together with Rev. Fr Amalraj, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Kilinochchi Police Division, SSP Ajith Gunaratne, District Secretary Maruthankerny, Mr Prabhakamoorthi, Commanders of 552 and 553 Infantry Brigades, Government Officials, Community Leaders, parents and a large crowd of civilians in the area.
Towards the end of the programme, Divisional Secretary of Maruthankeny and the Parish Priest of Kaddaikkadu, appreciative of the efforts taken by the 55 Infantry Division for reconciliation honoured the GOC, 55 Infantry Division by garlanding him and offering the Golden Shawl according to Hindu tradition.
