New lease of life

by Dhaneshi YATAWARA

Col.Thamara Wickramasekara, Commanding Officer	Lt. Col. Nimal Ariyaratne, Medical Officer

They can run faster than us. Their walk is steadier than ours. They are more sensitive to life than us. Their struggle to return to independence proves that their hearts are mightier than ours. They are the valiant soldiers, true sons of this soil, at the Rana Viru Sevana at Ragama - Sri Lanka Army’s centre for the rehabilitation of disabled officers and soldiers.

Healing the wounds

The Ragama Rana Viru Sevana or commonly known as R.V.S. was always their tabernacle giving them eternal support to bring back the energetic youth strengthened to stand on their own feet.

This wonderful place is looked after and cared by the Directorate of Rehabilitation under the command of Brigadier Sriyani Varusawitharana being the Director. “At the moment nearly 300 inmates, both officers and soldiers, are undergoing treatment,” Brigadier Varusawitharana said explaining the working structure. “Most of them do not need medical treatment unless they are facing some chronic illnesses. Our duty is to support these young men to re-enter their independent lifestyles. They must become a productive citizens entering society,” she said.

Mjr. Lukshman Karawita, Second in Command

Coporal Prasanna

Thus, the Rana Viru Sevana (Shelter for War Heroes) is duty bound to heal the mental and physical wounds of our war heroes.

Reclaiming life

Corporal Prasanna is a unique character. This 33-year-old father of three kids is an exemplary figure.

“When I got injured and disabled I never thought I would come this far. Now I do not feel my disability at all. I just work hard towards my goal,” Prasanna said.

Prasanna lost a part of his leg due to a mine blast during a reconnaissance operation at Iyakatchchi located south of Muhamalai in Jaffna in 2000 January. His wounds got healed, yet his disability started hurting him. The solution was lying in his love for sports. Today, he is a champion in power lifting now in an elevated weight level than at his initiation.

Prasanna was not alone at RVS. His comrades were coming even in wheel chairs to play badminton. At the gymnasium, one maybe fortunate to find even soldiers with both legs being amputated practising or working out. Sympathy is not what they want but support, for a short period, to return back to their normal lives.

“Officers and soldiers highly value their dignity and self respect. It originates from their leadership qualities inculcated during their training and service. They must return to the society to live in that same dignified manner,” Commanding Officer of the rehabilitation centre Colonel Thamara Wickramasekara emphasised.

“We have understood these people need to keep themselves occupied. So, we are trying to increase the number of vocational training options to suit a variety of interests,” Col. Wickramasekara added.

Undying courage

These officers and soldiers are not ready to keep themselves aside. These were the youth who were super active, energized with high morale facing a ruthless terrorist outfit. Four men’s teams would crawl to the other side of an LTTE bund for surprise attacks on grounds dotted with anti-personnel mines in thick darkness. They overpowered their sense of fear with courage and determination. They destroyed LTTE terrorists and saved innocent people.

“They make an immense sacrifice in the front lines. As a young officer I have been with such soldiers for many years. They have to be cared for their dedication for the country and the people,” Lieutenant Colonel Nimal Ariyaratne, Medical Officer at the RVS said while explaining the entire process taking place at the workshop where artificial limbs are produced.

“With our own knowledge and skills we are seeking the possibilities of improving the quality of the artificial limbs we make,” Lt. Col. Ariyaratne added.

“The service does not end with giving the limb. The soldier needs to adjust his life to this change. That is the most important factor.” he stressed.

Skilful dedication

The workshop never rests. One would be taking measurements of a soldier, another team fixing several artificial limbs while another worker repairs a broken limb returned by a user. Yet, all of them are physically disabled. Just like their comrades seeking their service.

Yet, the group is highly trained and supervised under an expert team of senior officials. In order to provide an excellent service the Sri Lanka Army has given these officers and other rankers extensive training, both local and foreign.

Staff Sergeants Ananda and Pushpakumara are experts in theory as well as practically. Of the duo, Staff Sergeant Ananda holds a degree acquired from an Australian University in this field. Having hopes to climb up the ladder in his own profession his aspirations to serve his comrades is highly commendable. “There is a difference between a normal person being disabled and soldier facing the consequence. The condition of a soldier can be complicated. He will face multiple disabilities. So the rehabilitation process is not simple,” Staff Sergeant Ananda said.

“We have a team of experts in this field. So we have a greater scope of improving for the betterment of our colleagues,” he added explaining his foreign exposure. They are ready to face any challenge.

Dreams coming true

Speaking to us during our visit the Second in Command of RVS Major Lukshman Karawita said, “One cannot be with these inmates as a normal officer. Ability to understand each and every individual is highly crucial.”

Facing a physical disability himself he is always the exemplary figure for those who seek shelter at RVS. Wounded at Pooneryn in 1990 Major Karawita being an amputee has built himself to be an excellent sportsman and at present has elevated himself to the level of judge in archery.

“We need to maintain our physical fitness and if that is to the mark our disabilities never become an obstacle. Most importantly we need to encourage our officers and soldiers explaining to them this reality. Convincing a person on these realities, making them mentally fit to face a challenge comprises a larger part of this rehabilitation process,” he said adding that being an example has been more effective than advising.

The Rana Viru Sevana carries out occupational therapy in addition to other therapeutic treatments in order to train them to carry out their day-to-day activities independently to every possible extent.

These soldiers, our real heroes, risking their lives made a serene environment for us and our future generation to breathe and live in peace and harmony reshaping this country into a paradise.

Now it is our turn. They do not want sympathy. Extend your support to make their dreams come true as they made our dreams a reality.