http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=Serving_the_people_20121108_07

Serving the people

Sri Lanka Army's social welfare initiatives in the East

With the end of the humanitarian operations the government initiated a number of ambitious projects to expedite the post war recovery of the north and east region.

In comparison to the north the east gets a little less prominence in the media. Unlike the north the eastern province has roughly an equal percentage of population of the three main ethnic groups namely Sinhala, Tamil and Muslim. The three districts, Trincomalee, Batticaloa and Ampara consist of about 15% of the Island's land area. Even though the provinces' contribution to the GDP is relatively low the economic growth rate since the end of the humanitarian operations is above the national average. The local economy is largely agriculture and fishery based. With its endless beautiful beaches the region is witnessing an unprecedented growth in the tourism sector. Places like Arugam Bay have already been recognized as one of the best surf sites in the world.

The military has initiated a number of welfare programmes to ensure the wellbeing of the north east people. In addition to its involvement in a number of infrastructure development projects under the government's post war development programme the army has carried out many community building programmes.

Here are some of the community welfare projects carried out by the Sri Lanka Army's 22 and 23 Divisions and Task Force 3 in the eastern region.

With the sponsorship of Sampath Bank , utilising its manpower the 231 Brigade built a new house for the family of K.P Semani Ayangika of Higurakgoda Kaudulla Sansungama Primary School who passed the grade 5 scholarship exam becoming the first in her School
Blood donation campaign at Perumaweli School by 23 Division	Free Eye Clinic for civilians of Echchanpaththu by 2 SLNG	Medical Clinic for rehabilitated Ex LTTE cadres at Verugal by 2 SLNG
Education seminar for Advanced Level students in Trincomalee by 2 GR	Providing mid-day meals for Pre-School Children at Madawipuram by 2 SLNG	Shramadana Campaign at Chandana Pokuna Vidyalaya by 3 SLAOC
Alms giving for devotees at Bodhirukkarama Temple in Panama by 23 SLSR	Alms giving for devotees at Muhudu Viharaya by 23 SLSR	Shramadana Campaign at Panama Bodhirukkaramaya by 23 Division
Shramadana campaign at Thirukkovil Hospital by TF 3	Shramadana campaign at Kudumbigala temple by 23 SLSR	Providing assistance for construction work at Bathiyagama Temple by 22 VIR
Ramazan feast for civilians organized by TF 3	'Iftar' ceremony (Breaking Fast) for Muslim religious leaders and dignitaries organized by Security Forces (East)	Distributions of water purifying equipment among low income families in Kantale by 22 DIV
Dengue prevention campaign at Thihiliweddi Village by 23 Division	Inter club soccer tournament organized by 8 GW in Batticaloa	Renovation of Siththaru Bridge by 22 VIR
Extending drought relief for the people of Karakamum and Ilangathurai in Trincomalee by SLNG		Theatre and Drama work shop for government school teachers conducted by popular actress Anoja Weerasinghe and organized by 23 Division