07th February 2026 15:50:28 Hours
The Sri Lanka Army, in partnership with the non-profit charitable organization Spirit of Giving, successfully conducted a book and stationery donation programme for students affected by Cyclone Ditwah in Vavuniya. The initiative sought to strengthen children’s education by providing essential learning resources and restoring academic confidence among those impacted by the natural disaster. The programme was coordinated through Major General (Retd) Anuruddha Senevirathne USP psc and Brigadier (Retd) Nalaka Malsinghe RWP RSP USAWC psc, who facilitated contact between the Sri Lanka Army and the Chairperson of Spirit of Giving.
The programme was made possible through the generous sponsorship of Spirit of Giving, led by Chairperson Ms. Rosie Thuring and supported by Mr. Cecil Roche and Mr. Savantha De Seram. The donation drive was conducted at Vavuniya Mahakachchakodiya Government Sinhala Mixed School on 05 February 2026, ensuring that assistance reached the students and teachers directly.
The occasion was graced by the General Officer Commanding, 56 Infantry Division, Major General Anuruddha Solangaarachchi RSP ndc psc, and the Commander of the 563 Infantry Brigade, Colonel Waruna Dassanayake RSP, alongside several senior officers of the 56 Infantry Division. During the programme, 75 students from Grades 1 to 5 received book packs and stationery items. The Principal of the school, Mr. Premasiri Sirisena, highly appreciated the initiative, and a refreshment programme was also arranged for participating students and teachers.
The distribution was carried out under the supervision of the Commanding Officer of the 8th Battalion, Gemunu Watch, Major Pathum Dissanayake psc, with active participation from officers and other ranks. This initiative underscores the Sri Lanka Army’s unwavering commitment to civil–military cooperation and its ongoing efforts to support the educational well-being of children in disaster-affected communities.
