Wedding bells ring for one more dependent war hero

Totally blind Lance Corporal Anjana Karunasiri of 8 Gajaba Regiment (8 GR) on Friday (12), began to live together with Nirasha Dulakshi of Rathnayakapura, Nikaweratiya in wedded bliss, in front of a distinguished gathering of well-wishers, including none other than the Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya, himself.

War Hero, Lance Corporal Karunasiri as the final battle for peace was reaching its climax, received injuries in an LTTE mortar attack on 14th March 2009, depriving him of his full vision and a finger in one arm while he was serving Puthukudiyiruppu area in Mullaittivu, where most ferocious offensives were raged.

However, considering the degree of his injury and the resolve to serve the organization further, he was posted to Ragama Ranaviru Sevana for both rehabilitation and continuation of his duties as a War Hero who made a selfless sacrifice in defence of the country.

As time went on, the 26-year old young lady, Nirasha Dulakshi, who visited Ragama Ranaviru Sevana for a donation one day, sighted Lance Corporal Karunasiri among the inmates by accident and began to develop an interest in him. Concern, blended with warmth and magnanimity gradually began to grow and finally turned it to play Cupid. Parents on being informed of her intention to enter into a life-binding commitment with Lance Corporal Karunasiri sans complete vision gave blessings to their daughter since it was her own decision.

Authorities at Ragama Ranaviru Sevana, attending to the entire gamut of wedding arrangements for them afterwards ensured the Commander of the Army as the one who takes care of them, be invited as a witness to the nuptial knots on behalf of the bridegroom.

On Friday (12) Gampaha Samara Reception Hall wore wedding garbs and prompted both Dulakshi and Karunasiri to leave their signatures on the dotted line in matrimonial knot, amid greetings and best wishes of all those attendees.

Mrs Manjulika Jayasuriya, President, Seva Vanitha Army Branch (SVAB) as was the practice in the previous wedding of this nature, assured the construction of a new house for the new couple at SVAB expense. Symbolizing the noble project, Mrs Jayasuriya presented a replica to the couple at the wedding.

To their luck, a group of Gampaha-based philanthropists and donors gifted all the paraphernalia, including wedding costumes, wedding car, wedding lunch and refreshments, music band, etc, needed to make their matrimony a memorable one.

Making the universal saying, 'Love conquers all' a fact once again, happily married Karunasiri and Dulakshi with clasped hands greeted the Commander and Mrs Manjulika Jayasuriya, President, Seva Vanitha Army Branch in accordance with Sinhala traditions before the couple finally aleft for their honeymoon.

Both Commander and Mrs Jayasuriya before their departure offered their greetings to the new couple and made a symbolic gift.

Courtesy : Army Media