Commander speaks high of Ranaviru Apparel War Heroes
 The
role of disable War Heroes at Yakkala Ranaviru Apparels was recognized
and well-evaluated Friday (23rd) evening when the Commander of the Army
Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya awarded gifts to them in
appreciation of their contribution to Army uniform manufacturing.
Twenty Five War Heroes who showed exceptional skills
in the sphere of special tailoring, knitting, sewing, etc were thus
appreciated during this award ceremony, graced by Commander of the Army
and a large gathering of retired officers, serving officers and
distinguished guests.
The Commander of the Army as the Chief Guest was
warmly welcomed by the Sri Lanka Army's Adjutant General, Major General
E. P. de Z. Abesekera who is also a member of the Management Board of
Ranaviru Apparels.
The ceremony began with the lighting of the
traditional oil lamp by the chief guest and other guests. Major General
Abesekera addressing the gathering on behalf of the Director Board
welcomed the guests and appreciated the commander's presence to
recognize the untiring services of the disabled war heroes.
The Musical Band of the Sri Lanka Army entertained the
gathering that included many disabled warriors with an evening full of
music which was followed by the distribution of awards by the chief
guest.
Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya extolling the
dedication of the past and present employees of Ranaviru Apparels
appreciated their devoted services.
Former Chief of Defence Staff and Commander of the
Army General (Retired) R de S Daluwatta, Major General (Retired) J.
Nammuni, Major General D. R. A. B. Jayatillake, Lieutenant Colonel
(Retired) U. Gajanayake and many senior Army Officers, staff of Ranaviru
Apparels and many disabled war heroes were present at the occasion. Dr.
R. U. Kuruppuarachchi a former Director of Ranaviru Apparels who had
toil a lot for the founding of the Ranaviru Apparels was also present.
Ranaviru Apparels which was initially started in 1997
with 90 disabled war heroes in Yakkala extended its production with the
inauguration of the second factory in Alawwa in the year 2009. 15
disabled Officers and 1300 disabled soldiers are serving in the two
factories at present.
Here is the full text of the Commander, Lieutenant
General Jagath Jayasuriya's speech on the occasion of the award ceremony
at Ranaviru Apparels
"I am privileged to be associated with the annual
Ranaviru Apparels Award ceremony that recognizes the contribution made
by each employee on an yearly basis.
All of you, during the mission to safeguard the
territorial integrity of the motherland sweated and spilled blood while
sacrificing your legs and limbs. Consequent results of that dedication,
well known to all Sri Lankans, are now being enjoyed, which itself is a
matter of pride to all of us, I must say. You are one of the most
celebrated citizens in this country after having contributed to the
eradication of terrorism that lasted for over 3 decades.
You become still more important and dignified because,
despite your physical disabilities caused by the destructive war, you
still continue to lead your life as a prominent citizen of this country,
working well ahead of others, simultaneously without you becoming a
social burden or a liability unto yourself either.
The sixty percent of the annual uniform requirement of
the Army, now with a workforce of about 2 lakhs, is being supplied by
you with correct specifications and high degree of quality. As you all
know, with the objective of meeting the entire uniform requirement of
the Army through your productions, one more new factory was bought from
Alawwa area around the first quarter of the year. It was the money
earned through your labour, that purchase was made possible. I am of the
view that once full production process starts off in this new factory,
the Army would be able to save a huge quantum of money that is generally
pumped to buy uniforms from elsewhere, which itself is a victory.
Your productivity and efficiency contribute to the
successful process of your production and thereby your teamwork and
collective efforts bring results, without being dependent on new
equipment or technology, I firmly believe.
We, as a professional Army which has received a
reputation across the globe, should work to sustain the dignity that we
have achieved, no matter the work we are engaged. Your discipline and
training received from the Army could therefore be used for this
purpose.
Let me express my best wishes and greetings to all
officers and other ranks who received awards and excelled in the year
2009 showing their talents. Likewise, others must be determined to
collect these awards in the coming years having worked with dedication.
Let me also pay my tribute to the advisory board and
management of this institute for successful conduct of affairs.
Particularly, the civil staff in the management board, despite the heavy
workload is providing a commendable service to the Army. I salute all of
them.
In conclusion, let me thank all those providing
support for the betterment of the Ranaviru Apparels. May Triple Gem
bless you all who are working in this place and may you have strength
and courage to get your vocational abilities further improved and
promoted.
Courtesy : Army Media | 
