The training began in February this year was conducted at Puthukkudiyirippu Training School under the supervision of 15 Sri Lanka Artillery (SLA) instructors of the 68 Division, covering fields of motor mechanism, wiring and electrification, welding, plumbing, masonry, carpentry, steel work, etc during the vocational training period with interest and commitment.

Typical of a formal military parade, these tradesmen also presented a Guard Turnout and a Guard of Honour to the Chief Guest for the passing out parade Lieutenant Colonel E.M.G.A. Ambanpola, Commanding Officer, 6 Sri Lanka Army Service Corps under whose unit these recruits are placed.

Those Army tradesmen after receipt of their credentials for vocational skills staged a display of drills and physical training features, along with a separate band display as the second leg of the day’s ceremony.

The day’s military ceremony received special significance with the presence of the new Commander, Security Force Headquarters - Mullaittivu, Major General P.U.S Vithanage and District Secretary for Mullaittivu, Ms R Kethishwaran as Chief Guests for the entire event, together with a large gathering of state officials, tri-service officers, senior officers, parents of the recruits, next of kin of the recruits and civilians in the area.

Soon after the formalities were over, the new recruits warmly received their parents in a special get-together organized for both parents and the recruits at the same occasion with the participation of the Mullaittivu Commander who publicly thanked the parents for allowing their children to be trained as professional tradesmen under the Army. Ms R Kethishwaran also mingled with those young tradesmen and spoke to them and their parents with a view to inquiring into their well-being.

General Officer Commanding, 68 Division, several other senior officers and leading citizens in the area witnessed the day’s ceremony.