The day’s itinerary began with one-minute silence in honour of fallen War Heroes and Members of the Civil Staff who also sacrificed their lives while serving in the operational areas during the war.
Soon after welcome remarks and the progress report of the CBA were presented to the audience, the day’s Chief Guest, Lieutenant General Crishanthe De Silva was invited to give away a couple of special gifts to several members of the civil staff and the daughter of a member who has excelled in the recent Grade 5 Scholarship Examination with distinctions.
Marking a historic presence at an AGM of this Association in its life-span of 24 years, the Commander was full of praise to the civil staff with whom he mingled and had cordial exchange of views.
In his brief address to the occasion, Lieutenant General Crishanthe De Silva, Commander of the Army spoke high of numerous services and valuable contribution the civil sector employees in the Army who have been providing an essential service to the organization.
“Members of the civil staff hand in hand with Army personnel have been playing a silent, but an invaluable role in the Army, although they are not in the uniform staff. I must commend them for what they have so far done and what they are performing at present. In the future, more attention will definitely be paid to the enhancement of their welfare needs, employment issues and all other matters,” the Commander noted.
Mr Gamini Mahagamage, Director, Directorate of Civil Administration presented a token memento to the Chief Guest, Commander of the Army before the Commander’s exit from the venue.
The founder of the CBA, Mr E. Jinadasa, General Secretary, Mr W. Sandyatissa, CBA’s financial advisor, Mr Nimal Karunathilaka and several members addressed the AGM that culminated with a fellow-lunch.
Commander of the Army gave away grativity money to a retired civil employee, death benevolent grant to the spouse of a late civil employee and several other mementoes to five retired civil employees.
In addition, several scholarships to the children of civil employees were also distributed by the Commander during the same ceremony.
Major General Sanjeewa Munasinghe, Director General, Army Health Services, Major General Ubhaya Medawala, Commander, Security Force Headquarters - West, Brigadier R.M Peramuna, Director, Directorate of Engineer Services, senior officers and several others were associated at the inaugural occasion.
