Sri Lanka’s 68th Independence Day was celebrated with pomp and pageantry under the theme, “One Nation and Enduring Force” at Galle Face Green in Colombo under the patronage of His Excellency Maithripala Sirisena, President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.
The Civil Defence Force with a contingent of 14 officers and 644 men and women won the admiration of His Excellency the President, Hon. Prime Minister and other dignitaries for displaying their skills on parade aptly showcasing their commitment to protect and safeguard the Motherland.
Lt. Col. Nanda Madugalle led the Civil Security Department at the parade which saw the participation of the famed Eastern and Western bands of the Civil Security Department and 3 male and 1 female contingents in their colourful uniforms.
President Maithripala Sirisena officially launched the ‘Virusara’ Privilege Card Scheme and awarded hundred scholarships, each worth Rs 50,000/= to war-affected children of North & East and War Hero families at Temple Trees on 25th January 2016.
The ‘Virusara’ Card, conceptualized by State Minister of Defence, Hon. Ruwan Wijewardene provides a wide assortment of varying benefits in more than 45 state and private sector services, such as tangible discounts on medicine, food varieties, transport, hospital treatment, loans, educational courses, etc and recognizes the invaluable services of War Heroes including those disabled on priority basis.
Under the first phase over 3 lakhs of family members of fallen War Heroes and disabled receive these benefits. Scholarships are provided to war-affected Tamil, Muslim and Sinhala students in the North & East. A segment of those scholarships also go to children of War Heroes families.
83 Civil Security Department personnel performed their skills during their ‘Ves Bandeema’ and ‘Paimpath Mangallaya’ or the graduation ceremony of Kandyan Dancers at the Mahiyangana Raja Maha Viharaya recently. Mr. Chandrarathne Pallegama, the Director General graced the occasion as the Chief Guest.
The Foundation Stone laying ceremony of “Awasa Geya” and “Dharma Shalawa” of Gangarama Vihare in Moratuwa Administrative Building of the Civil Security Department were held under the patronage of the Most Venerable Iththapane Dhammalankara Nayaka Thero,the Mahanayaka of Kotte of Shaymopali Chapter at the auspicious time on 22nd January 2016.
The ceremony was graced by the Director General of the Civil Security Department, Mr. Chandrarathne Pallegama and President of the Seva Vanitha Unit of the Civil Security Department, Mrs. Lakshmi Pallegama. The Board of Directors and members of the Civil Security Department were also present.
The Annual Family Get-together of the Civil Security Department which is aimed to develop harmony amongst CSD personnel was held on 10th January 2016 at Laya Hotel in Wadduwa.
This event was attended by the families and children of the CSD personnel and included an array of sport and other interesting competitions and events.
Mr. Chandrarathne Pallegama, Director General, Mrs. Lakshmi Pallegama, President, SevaVanitha Unit, Rear Admiral Shemal Fernando, Additional Director General, all Directors were present.