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.

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.

Pot cracking

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.

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.