Avurudu celebrations at Ranaviru Sevana
by DHANESHI TATAWARA
Sampath Kumara was enjoying the ‘avurudu’ carnival amidst the
scorching heat. This event was unique to him and his friends. The usual
April heat made the surroundings warm yet and it did not matter to
Sampath Kumara or to his friends who were the winners of the wheel chair
marathon.
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Pillow fight |
Lime and spoon
competition |
This was a special New Year carnival arranged by young men. The
carnival at the shelter for War Heroes at Ragama known as Ranaviru
Sevana was unique among the ‘avurudu’ festivities, we enjoyed throughout
April. It leaves memories with us that will not fade with the passage of
time.
The Ranaviru Sevana is Sri Lanka’s pioneering institute set up for
the differently-abled soldiers. Established in 1988 and administered
under the Sri Lanka Army Rehabilitation Directorate the ‘Rana Viru
Sevana’ has supported thousands of war veterans of all ranks. All those
who were present at the carnival were those who had sacrificed their
life to save the land from the ruthless clutches of terrorists.
For us loosing our limbs is as equal to loosing our lives. It is
unbelievable to see the strength in young men who were mostly in their
early ‘20s. Still thrilled over winning the race Sampath was joking,
laughing with his friends and was dancing in his wheel chair when we
approached him to chat. He was just 22 and today he has lost both his
legs. I’m practising for the up coming sports meet of the Army,” Sampath
said. He was far more active than a perfectly abled man.
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Pot cracking |
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Commander Lt. Gen. Jagath Jayasuriya
and
Director Rehabilitation, Brig. R. V. Samaratunge
sharing a word with a soldier |
Hailing from Kobeigane in Kurunegala is a soldier of the seventh
battalion of the Vijeyaba Infantry Regiment. On a fateful day in
November 2007 during the wee hours of the day at Muhamalai, Sampath and
his immediate superior, team leader Lieutenant Wijesuriya was injured by
an artillery fired by the LTTE. “I only felt the pain and just could not
figure out anything else,” he said.
In the days that followed Sampath knew that his life would change.
None of these young men knew how their lives were going to change. With
the support of their friends and families these men are able to find
solace.
“My girl friend didn’t leave me. Today we are married and now we are
living with our parents,” the happy youth said. Talking to them we
realised that it was the family and social support that put the
energetic youth back on track.
Ranaviru Sevana looks after soldiers permanently disabled due to
injuries received in the war.
Most of the inmates are amputees. Currently there are over 200
receiving treatment. The Directorate is engaged with several projects to
rehabilitate these injured/disabled soldiers.
Providing vocational training is a top priority. Those who are able
to work will receive clerical training and then be assigned to their own
unit. Those who are discharged from the facility are provided with
artificial limbs and walking aid.
The carnival provided entertainment to all inmates. Army Commander
Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya joined in the celebrations.
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Sampath Kumara |
The inmates took part in various New Year traditional games which
brought great amusement to them. The Ranaviru band added glitter to the
celebrations.
Several popular vocalists, including Nirosha Virajini, Chamika
Sirimanne and Janaka Wickremasinghe along with the Ranaviru band
contributed to make the event a success. Brigadier R.V. Samaratunge,
Director of Sri Lanka Army Directorate of Rehabilitation, Centre
Commandant of the Ranaviru Sevana Brigadier D.J.I. Peramunagamage,
Commanding Officer Major Upali Wijerathne and a large number of senior
Army officers were present.
The Army Chief said, now it is our turn to look after them and
provide comfort to them.
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