20th July 2023 12:46:00 Hours
Reminiscences of his college days some decades ago were revived and refreshed by the Commander of the Army, Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage RWP RSP ndu on Wednesday (19) when he was invited by his alma mater, Matale Vijaya College to inaugurate its playground renovation work.
At the request of the Vijaya College Principal, Mr Rajitha Theekshana, the Commander of the Army consented to provide technical and engineering skills and manpower to renovate the school playground as it does not match with required standards. Accordingly, Chief Field Engineer of Sri Lanka Army after a feasible survey has planned to carry out the task with 6 Sri Lanka Engineers troops, skilled in work of this kind.
The inauguration ceremony began after the College's Western Band saluted the day's Chief Guest, their erstwhile senior pupil, Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage soon after his arrival at the premises. The Principal, Mr Rajitha Theekshana, teachers, and representatives of the Past Pupils' Association warmly received the day's Chief Guest along with his spouse, Mrs Janaki Liyanage, President, Army Seva Vanitha Unit.
Next, all the distinguished invitees moved to the day's centre of focus, the school playground where the day's Chief Guest amid religious blessings of the 'Maha Sangha' symbolically started the playground renovation project in consultation with officials in the Department of Education.
Afterwards, the Commander of the Army, together with other senior officers, Principal and several teachers had a look around the College premises and shared a few thoughts with them while moving.
Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage during his schooling was a member of the Cadet Platoon and also performed as a Head Prefect while simultaneously being a member of the College Scout Group.
Major General M.G.W.W.W.M.C.B Wickramasinghe RWP RSP ndu psc, Director General General Staff, Major General W.W.H.R.R.V.M.N.D.K.B Niyangoda RWP RSP USP ndu psc, Commander Security Force Headquarters - Central, Major General A.H.L.G Amarapala RWP RSP ndc psc, Chief Field Engineer, Senior Officers, school staff and representatives of the Past Pupils' Association were associated with the day's event.
