JSFA gifts ambulance, fire engine to Army:

From Japan with love

Members of the Japan - Sri Lanka Friendship Association Traditional being conducted to the venue by up country Ves dancers.

Army Commander Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya presents a memento to a member of the Japanese delegation. Pictures courtesy: Army Media Unit

The Japan - Sri Lanka Friendship Association (JSFA), endorsing its wholehearted support to the Sri Lanka Army once again, gifted an ambulance and a fire engine during a ceremony at the Army Headquarters on Monday.

The JSFA, presided by Dr Lal Thilakarathne with the support of Japanese philanthropists and members of Japanese Lions Clubs, has provided many emergency vehicles and equipment to the Army as a symbol of ever-strengthening bonds of goodwill and friendship between the two nations.

Ichinomiya Lions Club, which has so far donated more than seven ambulances and fire engines to the Army and the Japanese team on tour in Sri Lanka, comprises 20 members, including philanthropist Ogura Akichika, Senate member of the Gifu City, Japan, Ono Tsu, Dr Lal Thilakarathne and Dr Eranga Thilakarathne.

The ceremony began after the Japanese donors and Army Commander Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya arrived at the venue at Army Headquarters to a warm welcome. Traditional up country Ves dancers conducted them to the ceremony. Hoisting of national flags of Japan and Sri Lanka, together with the Army flag and the playing of national anthems of both countries, marked the formal commencement of the day's proceedings. Adjutant General Major General G D H K Gunaratne recalled the series of goodwill gestures of JSFA to the Army.

Two Japanese representatives and Dr Thilakarathne also addressed the gathering. Lieutenant General Jayasuriya later presented symbolic mementos to heads of the visiting donors and Dr Thilakarathne.

The Japanese delegation participated in a cultural show at the Army Headquarters.

Ven. Hanwelle Dhammaloka Thera, Major General H C P Goonetillake, Military Secretary, Major General S Udumalagala, Quarter Master General, Major General KJ Alwis, Director General General Staff, Major General G D H K Gunaratne, Adjutant General, Major General Sanjeewa Munasinghe, Medical Advisor and senior officers were also present. The Japanese delegation will also distribute wheelchairs, spectacles, books, school uniform material, scholarships, among remote villagers and schoolchildren.