New officers’ mess, boon for Security Forces

Chaminda VITHANAGE

BOYAGANE: Provision of much needed facilities to Security Forces personnel fighting to protect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country from the terrorist threat is a great meritorious deed, said Patriotic Bhikkhu Front Secretary Ven. Bengamuwe Nalaka Thera.

He said this is an Anusasana delivered at the opening of a New Officers’ Mess at the Boyagane Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment Headquarters. The new building costing nearly Rs. 1.6 million was donated by the Helabima Sanvidhanaya, an organisation formed by Sri Lankan Expatriate workers employed in the Middle East.

Ven. Nalaka Thera said human blood is a rare commodity in the Middle East.

Most of the blood needed for transfusion is donated by Sri Lankans working in the Middle East.

Members of the Helabima Sanvidhanaya had utilised the money earned through blood donations to put up this building which would be very useful for service personnel manning the forward defence lines in the North. Ven. Nalaka Thera said members of the Helabima Sanvidhanaya preferred to render silent service.

A special ceremony was held to mark the opening of the new building to prevent outsiders from taking the credit for this noble deed. Sri Lankans had never been disheartened at times of war even in the past because they acted according to Buddhism which offered strength and courage to them.

Commander Vijayabahu Regiment Maj. Gen. G.P.R. de Silva, Lt. Col. C.K. Gunawardena and Maj. S.P.A.K. Pilapitiya and several disabled soldiers were also present.