The Army Seva Vanitha Unit’s (ASVU) scholarship scheme for children of War Hero families (members of the families of fallen and disabled War Heroes) and civil employees’ families got underway at the Defence Services College auditorium in Colombo 2 on Thursday, March 29.
Shalini Waidyaratne, Defence Ministry President - Seva Vanitha Unit (MoD-SVU) presided at the occasion as the Chief Guest upon the invitation of President ASVU Chandrika Senanayake, who is the brain-child of this charity project.
A student from the beneficiary group, offering bouquets welcomed the visiting President MoD-SVU Shalini Waidyaratne, before President ASVU Chandrika Senanayake formally received her to the occasion.
The day’s proceedings commenced with a tribute, dedicated to the memory of fallen War Heroes by observing a one-minute silence and lighting of a traditional oil lamp soon after the welcome address was made by Vice President to the ASVU and Chairperson Gemunu Watch - Seva Vanitha Unit (GW-SVU) Anusha Fernando.
A group of 52 more students of War Hero families and civil employees who achieved best results in the 2016 Grade 5 examination and 2017 O/L and A/L examinations received those donations during this ceremony.
The scholarship programme awarded Rs. 20,000 worth financial scholarships each for 26 Grade 5 achievers of War Hero families, sponsored by the ASVU. Another Rs 25,000 worth financial scholarships were also given to 6 more O/L achievers while a differently-able War Hero’s daughter who has been selected to the University education received a lap top to the value of Rs 66,500. Those donations provided these recipients with necessary financial assistance for purchase of school accessories during studies.
89 more children of Army families and civil employees’ families received Rs 1,500 financial scholarships for the period of 1 year through the sponsorship of the Commander’s fund and the ASVU.
In addition, Peter Mendis, resident in New Zealand and Dilrini Wijeratne, resident in Australia were also provided with financial sponsorship to the project enabling them to continue their studies in a more vibrant manner.
Chairperson, SLSR-SVU Ruwini Sujeewa Wickramaratne gifted a Rs 100,000 monetary donation to the President ASVU for the use of ASVU activities during the ceremony.
The scholarship programme awarded Rs 1,500 worth DSI gift vouchers each to all recipients through the ASVU sponsorship. Further, Rs 1,000 worth MD Gunasena gift vouchers were also donated during the ceremony.
The People’s Bank head office in Colombo sponsored the project with wrist watches, school bags, caps and dictionaries for A/L students.
Veteran musician Isuru Jayaratne performed a singing and dancing feature at the event together with the students of Defence Service College. During the same occasion, a student from the Manning Town 'Viru Kekulu' pre-school, displayed their artistic talents before the Chief Guest and the distinguished gathering. The vote of thanks was delivered by Deputy Secretary ASVU and Chairperson SLSR-SVU Ruwini Sujeewa Wickramaratne. A large number of senior members of the ASVU officers, senior military officers and other ranks in addition to the parents of the scholarship recipients were present on the occasion.
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