Ranaviruwa English February 2022

SLAVF Deputy Commandant Visited
5 (V) Gajaba Regiment

Major General J D C G Jayasinghe KSP KSV Deputy Commandant, Sri Lanka Army Volunteer Force
Headquarters visited 5 (V) Gajaba Regiment on 16 January 2022.

12th Anniversary of 11 Infantry Division

The 12th Anniversary of the 11 Infantry Division Division. The event which was inaugurated with
Headquarters was celebrated on 15 February a milky food pooja to the Sri Dalanda Maligawa
2022. Series of programmes including religious (Temple of Tooth Relic) Kandy was included with
activities were taken place simultaneously under Guard Turnout, lunch and musical show. All ranks
the patronage of Major General P S K Sanjeewa of the division rallied together for the anniversary
RWP RSP General Officer Commanding 11 Infantry celebrations.

Aid for Early Childhood Development Centre

On the occasion of the 70th Anniversary of the 1
Sri Lanka Army General Service Corps (1 SLAGSC),
Lieutenant Colonel C S Demuni, Commanding
Officer visited the Detachment located in Kantale
on 1 January 2022. School equipment, sanitary
ware, ceiling fans for the pre-school and lunch
were provided to 32 children studying at the
Samanala Early Childhood Development Centre
which was erected with the manpower of the 1
SLAGSC. The event was sponsored by the Sentinel
Lions Club, Colombo.

RANAVIRUWA FEBRUARY 2022 51

New House from the Army for a Courageous Family

A new house was donated to Mrs Deepika
Sanjeewani resided at 214G, Munnimuruppu
Grama Niladhari Division Vavuniya. The
charity event was funded by the People's Bank
Buddhist Association under the coordination
and supervision of Brigadier A M S Premawansa
RWP RSP USP Commander, 562 Infantry Brigade.
Troops of 17 (V) Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment
provided manpower for the construction of the
house.

Generous Aid from Sri Lanka Army for the Education

Under the direction of Commander Security
Forces (Mullaitivu), a charity programme of
donating sport items and vouchers to schools
located in the 682 Infantry Brigade area under
command to Security Force Headquarters
(Mullaitivu) was held at 682 Infantry Brigade
Conference Hall on 08 February 2022. The
event took place with the patronage of Major
General W A S S Wanasinghe RSP USP ndu
Commander of the Security Forces (Mullaitivu).
He was accompanied by Major General K R K K
T Bandara RSP USP General Officer Commanding
68 Infantry Brigade, Brigadier H C L Galappatti
RSP USP Commander, 681 Infantry Brigade, Brigadier N D P Gunasinghe, Mr P Thamilmaran, Director
of Education (Mullaitivu) and Mr R G Prajalitha Pushpakumara, Head of JSBCLLC Dubai and Fitness Place
Institute, Matale.
The sponsorship of the sport items was provided by the Head of JSBCLLC Dubai and Fitness Place Institute.
Sindu Multi Selection Institute in Pudukuduirippu also presented gift vouchers worth Rs 3000.00 each to
all the teachers attended the event.

Reviewing the present course curriculum of the Diploma in IT Commenced
Signal School, a Diploma in Information Technology at Signal School
equivalent to NVQ Level 5 was introduced by the
Signal School in collaboration with the Tertiary future challenges of the SL Army. The six-month
and Vocational Education Commission in line with course provides extensive knowledge on technical
the “Sri Lanka Army Way forward Stratergy 2020 as well as employment matters.
- 2025”.
The inaugural ceremony of the first Diploma in
Information Technology Course launched with the
approval of the Army Training Command and the
Directorate of Training on 07 February 2022 at the
Signal Training School.
The event which was hosted with the participation
of Major General P Peiris ndu Colonel Commandant
of the Sri Lanka Signal Corps and Chief Signal
Officer of the Sri Lanka Army was graced by
Mr Udeni Wickramasinghe, Chairperson of the
Tertiary and Vocational Education Commission as
the Chief Guest of the event.
This Diploma was introduced to develop ICT skills
of the Officers and Other Ranks to effectively
employ them as ICT professionals to meet the

52 FEBRUARY 2022 RANAVIRUWA

Eye Clinic at
57 Infantry Division

Under the guidance of the General Officer
Commanding 57 Infantry Division, an Eye Clinic
was conducted with the supervision of Brigadier
K P C M H Gamlath RSP USP Commander 571
Infantry Brigade on 22 January 2022. The event
was coordinated by Indika Thilakahewa, Executive
Officer, Mohan Samaratunga Junior Executive
Officer of Commercial Bank and My Vision
Anuradhapura. Accordingly, 165 civilians living in
the area under command to the 7 Sri Lanka Light
Infantry and 9 Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment were
benefited.

Leadership Workshop at
Battalion Training School

A team building and leadership training
programme was conducted on 23 January 2022
at the 59 Infantry Battalion Training School
with the objective of enhancing the personal
capabilities of the Officers and Other Ranks of 5
(V) Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment.

Strength for the Education

A programme to distribute gift parcels among
94 children studying in Karipaddamuruppu and
Thanduwan Government Tamil Schools was
held on 20 January 2022 with the patronage of
Colonel P S M Alwis RWP RSP Commander 642
Infantry Brigade.

RANAVIRUWA FEBRUARY 2022 53

Ihave only one more day announced your arrival. I what I was feeling inside.
remaining. Tomorrow hope you know.” He said. The fragrance of Madara
will be the day for the “Yes I’m aware...the time entered my nostrils while
departure. Thereafter I will has finally come it seems...” enchanting my body and
be fulfilling my paramount I smiled at him. “Yes it has… mind. It brought back the
ambition. However, I’m still Are you ready?” memories of her. The same
unable to understand this “Not yet” enchanting fragrance was
feeling of emptiness in my He looked surprised. “What? always there with her. I
heart. Have I neglected any You know now is the time, could still remember the
kind of duty that I should then why?” calm and quiet look that I
have performed? What is it “I feel like something is saw on her beautiful face
that is bothering my mind bothering my mind. It seems yesterday. What was she
like this? like I haven’t fully performed actually writing? Why did
“My Lord….May I come in?” my duty yet.” I answered. she hesitate to show that to
While awakening from “What is it? me? I could still remember
the stream of thoughts, I “I have no idea…” I replied the conversation that took
looked at the one who called. and came out of the room to place.
“Maithree….come and take a the balcony. “My Lord, you are here…”
seat.” The surrounding was too She looked at me while
He sat beside me, looking peaceful and relaxing, putting away the quill and
earnestly at my face. exactly the opposite of the paper. I sat on the couch
“Varuna has already next to her and asked for the
FEBRUARY 2022 paper in her hand.
54 “No you cannot look at it

RANAVIRUWA

yet…I will show you later.” “Your Majesty, we hope “I felt like I couldn’t send
She said. I asked for the you have already looked you away this early.” Her
reason. for the things that you tears renewed.
“I will give it to you later.” should consider before “What? You know we will be
She repeated smiling at me. going.” Varuna asked with a seeing each other very soon.
“I want to see it now” I said melancholy tone. He was the After all, it is our destiny.” I
trying to sound mischievous. youngest and the most naïve took her hand.
“No way, later” of them all. “I know. However, there will
“Shall I go back then?” I “Yes I have. I will inform be no happy ending for the
asked with an unhappy face. tomorrow. There is no need story of our lives.” She took
“Alright.” She took the paper to feel unhappy. I will be a deep breath.
and the quill back without coming back to see you all. I stood up and started
paying any attention to me. You know that don’t you?” walking back and forth.
I could not understand her I replied while caressing his She was still there with her
actions. She has never done hair. eyes closed. “Do you regret
that before. Was she hurt? or He shook his head. Tears fell your choice?” I felt my voice
was she deliberately trying from his tiny eyes. sinking.
to detach herself from me? “Look here you bad boy, “ Santhusitha…stop right
She has always been loyal there’s no need to weep. I there…” She came to me
and affectionate. I could consoled him. “Not only me” immediately and took my
still remember how she was he looked down. hand.
trying to do every possible “Who else then?” I asked “If I’m regretting my choice,
thing for my happiness. She earnestly. “Her Highness…” I would not ask for your life
reads, plays the sitar, makes His tears were unstoppable. I back that day.” She reminded
me laugh, accompanies me wiped them away. me of one of our previous
wherever I want. At times she “While I’m away be obedient births.
would dance for me, although to Lord Maithree.” I advised “I know. No need to remind
she could find thousands of him and turned to the others. yourself of that painful
dancers to perform the task “I appoint Lord Maithree experience.” I touched her
without exerting herself. to be the leader after my hair gently. “Let me repay
What is this sudden change? departure. He will take care of your affection and loyalty
Nevertheless, she knows you all. Follow his orders and back. I will repay you in a way
about our fate. I took a deep continue doing meritorious like no other husband could
breath. acts.” I said tenderly. ever think of.” I promised.
“My Lord, they have come to “We shall obey your orders “This is my farewell gift for
bid farewell.” your majesty. Please do you.” She gave me a piece of
I went back to the room. take care of yourself until paper. There was a picture of
Maithree and the others knelt you reach your destination. a swan, beautifully drawn.
down and put their hands Our blessings will always be I looked at her confidently.
together. All of them were with you,” they all chanted The eternal freedom from all
there except her, I noticed politely and went out. the worldly sufferings will
suddenly. Nevertheless, I “Maithree, I think I should be the only noble gift that
smiled at them and asked meet Devi” I came out I could give her. I smiled
them to take leave of me. and headed directly to the gently as I bade farewell to
“Your Majesty, pardon us, lotus palace. I heard the her.
the time has arrived for you to melancholy tune of her sitar
achieve your great ambition. before I entered her room. By Captain JGMRPJ Kumarihami
Therefore we invite you to “Devi, why didn’t you SLAGSC
fulfill your wish. Please show come?” I asked immediately. Army War College - Buttala
us the right path to gain the “I was expecting you.” She
eternal freedom.” put the sitar away and sat
“All of you please rise” I said down near my feet.
kindly.

RANAVIRUWA FEBRUARY 2022 55

Ranaviruwa Extends Heartiest Wishes for
the Newly Appointed Officers

Major General Major General Brigadier Brigadier
M E P Weerasinghe USP ato S N Samarawickrama KSP J A R S K Jayasekara USP psc C S Dissanayeke ato
assumed the duties as the assumed the duties as
assumed the duties assumed the duties as the Brigadier (Admin/
as the Commander Deputy Commandant the Director Quart) of Security Force
Forward Maintenance Area Sri Lanka Army Headquarters (Mullaitivu)
Volunteer Force Sri Lanka Electrical and on 24 January 2022
(North/East) Mechanical Engineering
on 21 January 2022 on 21 February 2022
on 23 February 2022

Brigadier Brigadier Brigadier Brigadier
K L S S Liyanagama S C Ekanayake RSP D R N Hettiarachchi RWP E A D K Edirisinghe
assumed the duties as the assumed the duties as the
RWP RSP RSP USP Centre Commandant
assumed the duties as the Director assumed the duties as Corps of Engineer Services
Directorate of on 15 February 2022
Director Rehabilitation the Director
Directorate of Movement on 07 February 2022 Directorate of Real Estate

on 17 December 2021 and Quartering
on 07 February 2022

Brigadier Colonel Colonel Colonel
L G B Kariyawasam RWP RSP N A S N Nanumarachchi N D P Gunatunga B M S K K Dharmawardena
assumed the duties as the assumed the duties as the
USP Brigadier (Admin/Quart) RWP RSP USP
assumed the duties as the Security Forces (Central) Commander assumed the duties as
681 Infantry Brigade the Centre Commandant,
Commander on 20 January 2022 on 03 February 2022 Commando Regimental
612 Infantry Brigade
on 17 February 2022 Centre
on 25 January 2022
56 FEBRUARY 2022 RANAVIRUWA

Colonel Colonel Colonel Colonel
M R Razick RSP J M A Jayasekera RSP USP K A D C R Kannangara RSP A K C S de Silva RSP
assumed the duties as the assumed the duties as assumed the duties as the assumed the duties as
Commander 513 Infantry the Colonel Movement the Commanding Officer
Directorate of Movement Commandant Combat Training School,
Brigade Sri Lanka Army Physical
on 17 February 2022 on 22 November 2021 Amapra
Training School on 17 February 2022
on 10 February 2022

Colonel Colonel Colonel Lieutenant Colonel
W K S P M R A B Dodamwela J S Munasinghe E M I Ekanayaka I J Wickramasinghe RWP RSP
assumed the duties as the assumed the duties as the
psc Colonel Provost Marshal Colonel (Admin/Quart) USP
assumed the duties as Directorate of Provost 52 Infantry Divsion assumed the duties as the
on 21 February 2022
the Colonel (GS) Marshal General Staff Officer I
Security Force on 31 January 2022 Directorate of Movement

Headquarters (East) on 23 January 2022
on 03 February 2022

Major Major Major Major
G D K Nishsanka RWP RSP P A T Niroshan K P C Fernando psc Lsc K W K Hemantha
assumed the duties as the assumed the duties as the assumed the duties as the assumed the duties as the
Commanding Officer 14 Commanding Officer 5 Commanding Officer
Commanding Officer (V) Vijayabahu Infantry Sri Lanka Electrical and 16 (V) Gemunu Watch
20 (V) Vijayabahu Infantry Mechanical Engineering on 20 January 2022
Regiment
Regiment on 14 February 2022 Regiment
on 08 February 2022 on 08 February 2022

RANAVIRUWA FEBRUARY 2022 57

Blood Donation Campaign at 1 VIR

A blood donation campaign was launched by 1 Commanding Officer of 1 Vijayabahu Infantry
Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment together with the Regiment. Officers of the Battlion contributed the
coordination of Government Hospital, Trincomalee event voluntarily. The Officers from Sri Lanka
to fulfil the blood shortage existed during the Navy-Valagamba, Police Officers, Special Force
COVID-19 pandemic situation on 18 February 2022. Officers and Other Ranks in the area extended the
The event was organised under the directions of further assistance to make the event a reality.

RANAVIRUWA SUPERVISION
Brigadier
COMPUTER FONTS, COVER DESIGN AND PAGE
LAYOUT AHLG Amarapala RWP RSP ndc psc

S/ 752158 WO11 Senarathna GC - 3 CES
S/ 753797 Cpl Kumarasinghe MGAM - 11 CES

S/ 754676 L/Cpl Lakthilina WR - 11 CES
RANAVIRUWA ADDRESS
Ranaviruwa

Directorate of Psychological Operations
Army Headquarters

Sri Jayawardenepura, Sri Lanka.
EMAIL

[email protected]
[email protected]

TELEPHONE
+ 94 011 2993076

ARMY MICRO
51445/51446
READ ONLINE

PUBLICATION ADVISOR EDITOR SUB EDITOR
Captain
Directorate of Psychological Operations Lieutenant Colonel Captain
Sri Lanka Army DMM Dissanayake RWP MIR KVN Lakmali SLAGSC HLU Lakshika SLAWC

58 FEBRUARY 2022 RANAVIRUWA

Financial Grants to 48 More War Heroes

Award of financial grants under
the 7th Phase of the Sri Lanka
Army’s House Construction
Project for family members of
fallen War Heroes, wounded War
Heroes, retired and on service
Army personnel got underway
on 14 February 2022 at the Army
Headquarters. 48 more Army
beneficiaries for the exclusive
purpose of construction of
their own houses or completion
of partly-built houses were
benefited under the programme.

General Shavendra Silva WWV RWP RSP VSV The project, initiated as a joint welfare gesture
USP ndc psc MPhil Chief of Defence Staff and of the Directorate of Veterans Affairs, Directorate
Commander of the Army who personally took of Rehabilitation and respective Regiment of the
an enormous interest in this welfare measure, beneficiary gave away Rs 1.5 m to complete erection
graced the occasion as the Chief Guest and gave of a new house and Rs 750,000 for completion of a
away those financial grants to build 11 new partly built house under this scheme.
houses and 37 partly-built homes during the brief Few Senior Officers including Chief of Staff, Major
ceremony, attended by several senior officers and General H L V M Liyanage RWP RSP ndu and
beneficiaries. Brigadier S C Ekanayeke RSP Director, Directorate
Out of the recipients, 9 houses were meant for of Rehabilitation participated in the distribution
family members of fallen War Heroes and 12 ceremony that was held adhering to health
more homes for War Heroes wounded in action. guidelines.
Similarly, 03 houses were vested for retired War
Heroes while 24 houses were vested for serving
Army personnel.

RANAVIRUWA FEBRUARY 2022 59

Wiping off threat of rough enemy fear
Rejoiced world wiping engulfed fear
Sharing all thick and thin as a brother
The Chief of Defence Staff and Memories flash reminding old care
Commander of the Army recently
visited the Abimansala, Anuradapuraya Raising as a sea tidal coming ahead
and engaged in a round table chit chat Victory gained marching as team ahead
reminding the old good days playing Vigorous champs reminding mission ahead
the carrom with the handicapped War Can you see the genuine smile ahead
Heroes ensuring the bond he shared
with them as a caring leader. - Captain Lakmali Kudaligama -

DIRECTORATE OF PSYCHOLOGICAL OPERATIONS, ARMY HEADQUARTERS, SRI JAYAWARDENEPURA, SRI LANKA.