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| Sunday, 8 June 2003 |
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Indians leave after coming to our rescue by Ramani KanGaraarachchi The Indian Army medical team headed by Colonel P. J. S. Chabra left for India on Friday morning after accomplishing its task in flood-affected areas for 16 days. A felicitation ceremony was held at the Army Sports Grounds on Thursday evening where Defence Minister Tilak Marapana, Secretary Defence Austin Fernando,and three service commanders awarded certificates to the Indian team. Ten teams comprising 22 officers and 202 NCOs of the Indian Army Medical Corps were deployed in Galle, Matara and Ratnapura. They had treated almost 13,000 flood victims during their stay in Sri Lanka. Minister Tilak Marapana commended the services rendered by the Indians in an hour of need despite many difficulties and shortcomings, and thanked the Indian government for the timely assistance. Col. Chabra said that his team did not have any problem during its stay here; Sri Lankan people were very friendly and co-operative. "For the first time I came here to perform a duty, but I like to come again on a holiday" he said. Majors Ajit and Ranjana Bhargava, a young husband and wife army duo said that they came here with short notice leaving their two children with their parents and had no problem. "We did not even feel that we were out of our own country, people were so nice and helpful", they said. The farewell ceremony was followed by a cultural programme by the Army band. Deputy Indian High Commissioner and Defence Official attached to Indian High Commission, Captain Gopinath were also present at the ceremony. |
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