11th July 2023 22:13:49 Hours
56 Infantry Division troops of the Security Force HQ-Wanni (SFHQ-W) in a gesture of reconciliation, solidarity, goodwill and understanding with Wanni civilians erected the new two-storied administrative building complex of the Vavuniya Traders’ Association after a request to that effect was made to the Commander, Security Forces-Wanni Major General C.D Ranasinghe RWP RSP.
Mr Shanmugarajah Sujen, Chairman of the Vavuniya Traders’ Association during a meeting with the SFHQ - Wanni sought the technical expertise and manpower of the Army for construction of their Association’s proposed trade complex, in which their administrative functions are based.
Accordingly, the SFHQ-Wanni with the blessings of the Commander of the Army, entrusted the task to the 56 Infantry Division.
During a simple ceremony on Sunday (9), the two-storied new building was opened and warmed amid religious blessings and greetings of the members of the Association.
Commander, SF-Wanni, Major General C.D Ranasinghe RWP RSP graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, unveiled a plaque, lit the traditional oil lamp and declared the new building opened, together with Mr Saman Bandusena, Chief Secretary of Northern Province, Mr P.A Sarath Chandra, District Secretary of Vavuniya, Mr P Ampavila, Deputy Inspector General of Vavuniya, Major General H.G.P.M Kariyawasam RSP ndc psc IG, General Officer Commanding of the 56 Infantry Division and representatives of the Traders’ Association.
The building complex consists of a conference hall and office compartments with all the modern facilities. Troops of the SFHQ-Wanni provided much needed technical expertise and manpower for the project while the Traders’ Association sponsored the cost of raw materials.
Adding memories to the day, a special memento was presented to the Commander, SF-Wanni Major General C.D Ranasinghe RWP RSP by the Chairman of the Traders’ Association of Vavuniya in appreciation of the contribution made by troops of the Sri Lanka Army for the success of the project. The SFHQ - Wanni reciprocated presenting a separate souvenir to the Chairman of the Traders’ Association for the trust his organization placed.
Mr Saman Bandusena, Chief Secretary of Northern Province, Mr P.A Sarath Chandra, District Secretary of Vavuniya, Mr P Ampavila, Deputy Inspector General of Vavuniya, Senior Officers, Officers, Other Ranks and a large number of members in the Traders’ Association attended the warming ceremony.
