Participation in humanitarian operation:

Medals for 1,780 Army personnel

Sandasen MARASINGHE

A ceremony to award medals to Army personnel who played an active role during the humanitarian operation to eliminate terrorism from Sri Lanka was held at the Army Physical Training School in Panagoda under the patronage of Army Commander Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya, yesterday.

The medals Uthuru Manusheeya Meheyuma Padakkama and Negenahira Manusheeya Meheyuma Padakkama were awarded to 1,780 heroes of the Army at the ceremony yesterday. The first medals were presented by President Mahinda Rajapaksa as a token to a few heroes of the three forces and the police at Temple Trees on December 14, 2010.

Army Commander awarded medals to 100 heroes who actively participated in the humanitarian operation including 11 heroes who were disabled during the operation. The rest of the medals were awarded to heroes by senior Army officers. The 1,780 Army personnel who were awarded medals yesterday represents all regiments in the Sri Lanka Army.