07th February 2026 16:04:18 Hours
The Sri Lanka Army, in collaboration with the non-profit charitable organization Spirit of Giving, conducted a book and stationery donation programme to assist students affected by Cyclone Ditwah in Vavuniya. The initiative aimed to support children’s education by providing essential learning materials and restoring academic confidence among students 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 the contact between the Sri Lanka Army and the Chairperson of Spirit of Giving.
The event was organized with generous financial sponsorship from Spirit of Giving, led by Chairperson Ms Rosie Thuring and supported by Mr. Cecil Roche and Mr. Savantha De seram. The donation programme was conducted at Vavuniya Rajendrakulam Government Tamil Mixed School, on 05 February 2026, ensuring that assistance was directly delivered to the affected school community.
The occasion was graced by the General Officer Commanding, 56 Infantry Division, Major General Anuruddha Solangaarachchi RSP ndc psc, and the Commander of the 562 Infantry Brigade, Brigadier Priyantha Upali Dissanayake RSP USP IG, along with several senior officers of 56 division. During the programme, 57 students from Grades 1 to 5 received book packs and stationery items. The event was attended by the Principal of Vavuniya Rajendrakulam Government Tamil Mixed School, Mr. P. Parandaman, who highly appreciated the initiative. The Principal of Vavuniya Poovarasankulam School, Mr. A. Muraleetharan, extended valuable support by assisting with compering and translation during the event. A refreshment programme was also arranged for participating students and teachers.
The programme was conducted under the supervision of the Commanding Officer of the 17 (V) Sri Lanka Light Infantry, Lieutenant Colonel Ruwan Vithanage RSP, with the active participation of officers and other ranks. This humanitarian effort highlights the Sri Lanka Army’s continued commitment to strengthening civil–military cooperation while promoting educational welfare among disaster-affected communities.
