22nd December 2023 20:35:31 Hours
The Security Force Headquarters-East in a novel initiative arranged a two-day workshop on ' Development of Leadership Skills' for 46 Sinhala, Tamil, and Muslim students in 11 local schools covering Polonnaruwa and Batticaloa districts after inviting the students to the Battalion Training School in Punani. The workshop, spearheaded on an initiative of Major General M.K.U.P Gunaratne RSP ndu psc IG, the Commander, SF-East got underway during 21- 22 December 2023.
The workshop was organized with the aim of inculcating leadership qualities among young prefects of local Sinhala, Tamil, and Muslim schools and promoting unity, understanding, co-existence, ethnic harmony and friendship among children of all communities.
The programme consisted not only of classroom activities, but also various outdoor activities which are specially aimed at stimulating teamwork, initiative, and self-confidence among the participants. The workshop was made a reality under the directions of Major General M.K.U.P Gunaratne RSP ndu psc IG, Commander Security Forces-East with the financial support of Rev Ebenezer Joseph, the Bishop of the Methodist Church of Sri Lanka, and “Interfaith Coalition for Peace” with the noble objective of promoting reconciliation and harmony.
Addressing at the brief opening ceremony, Major General M.K.U.P Gunaratne RSP ndu psc IG stressed the importance of engaging young adults too for this kind of activities to promote peace, harmony, and co-existence among young generation, while stimulating their inborn leadership abilities. He further stated that the workshop would serve as a great opportunity for youngsters to become confident, responsible, and effective leaders in the future.
Finally, the Commander, Security Forces- East made a request from participants to make use of this opportunity to learn at least a few words from each other’s language and make cross-cultural friendships.
Major General M.K.U.P Gunaratne RSP ndu psc IG further extended his gratitude to Rev Ebenezer Joseph and the “Interfaith Coalition for Peace” for the assistance extended to make this event a reality. Also, he thanked the General Officer Commanding, 23 Infantry Division Major General K.V.N.P Premaratne RSP USP psc and his team for organizing the timely event for the best interests of the young generation.
General Officer Commanding, 23 Infantry Division, Staff Officers at the SFHQ-East and 23 Infantry Division, and Commander 231 Infantry Brigade, and teachers from selected schools attended the opening ceremony.
