'Changing Lives':

Ties grow stronger with time

Senali S Perera

'Changing Lives' - a gathering of female soldiers who newly joined the Forces from Kilinochchi and students from various universities of the island was held at the President Secretariat yesterday.

President's Senior Assistant Secretary C N Withanachchi was the chief guest. Additional Secretary to the President Ranjith Wijethilaka, Presidential Secretariat Social Development Affairs Director Nandana Wijesinghe and Brigadier M Mudannayaka also participated.

The event was organised by the Yovun Diriya programme.

Remembering his childhood memories and the rich relationship he had with Jaffna, Withanachchi said: "Our relationships have grown stronger with time. With anger and hatred gone, our bonds are strong.

"Now that the war is over, the President wants to make these relationships unbreakable, like they were before."

Withanachchi described the event as special and important, which will have significant results in the future.

An introduction to the Nana Guna Vaduma - Sisu Diriya programme was made at the event.

The programme was launched by the Social Development Affairs Director's Office at the Presidential Secretariat. It was launched on a concept of the President to create co-existence among religions and communities and to develop ethics and leadership skills.

Many students share the benefits of the programme and their lives have taken a significant turn. "This is a very special event to the nation," said Wijesinghe. He mentioned the importance of the newly appointed female soldiers and the university students celebrating the nationally important day -Thai Pongal together.

"Not only Thai Pongal, but we have also celebrated different religious and cultural events together in the past six years as a family," he said.

"Race, religion, social status -none of this is a qualification for any job under the current President," Wijesinghe said.

He requested everyone to be determined to bring Sri Lanka to the top of South Asia by being dedicated to the social development of the country.