THIRD FAMILY TRIP ORGANIZED BY SECURITY FORCE HEADQUARTERS (WANNI)

As a continuation of enhancing welfare of soldiers, Security Force Headquarters - Wanni organized the 3rd pilgrimage / educational / trip for families of soldiers and civil servants enabling them to visit important places covering Anuradhapura, Mihinthale, Thanthirimale, Madhu, Mannar and Vavuniya areas from 06 th to 07 and 08 August 2018.

The Family Trip was conceptualized and introduced to the Sri Lanka Army by Commander Security Force (Wanni), Major General Kumudu Perera RWP RSP VSV USP ndu. He expects to provide an enviornment for the families to develop a long-lasting bond between families and to give soldiers an oppertunity to participate in a trip as a whole family. It was encouraging to observe the positive reactions of soldiers and families building that rapport among members of families in a relaxed, friendly and warm environment. Soldiers too are awarded an opportunity to break the monotony of their daily routine work schedule and relieve their stresses.

33 families comprising of 150 members of Senior Non Commissioned Officers, Junior Non Commissioned Officers, Privates and Civil Servants took part in the three day program. During the entire visit Security Force Headquarters provided free comfortable accommodation at the “Rathnamalee Vishrama Shalava” in Anuradhapura, all meals & refreshments, Transport, guidance, medical assistance and narrations at all places visited. All expenses were borne by the Security Force Headquarters. At the commencement of the trip they were welcomed in a traditional ceremonial manner with a Hevisi band and Kandyan dancers.

The grand finale was the visit to Security Force Headquarters (Wanni) where they were received by the Brigadier Administration & Quartering, Brigadier Ranjan Premalal USP along with other staff officers. The event included a musical evening and a banquette style sumptuous buffete dinner for everyone. Commander Security Force (Wanni) Major General Kumudu Perera RWP RSP VSV USP ndu too graced the occasion. During the event gifts were distributed to all children and singing opportunities were awarded to family members. Every tiny child was given a soft toy and every school going child was given a set of stationaries.

The most significant event of the evening was a Raffle Draw and the winning family was of Lance Corporal Saman Kumara K K while families of Signalman Rathnayake H M I M and Private Jayarathne K J W C were fortunate to become second and third winners of the day’s evening.

All staff officers and other ranks in Security Force Headquarters (Wanni) contributed immensely to organise the entire trip very successfully.