Defence Secretary lauds measures taken by BMVSS
to provide artificial limbs
March 07, 2022
Defence Secretary Gen. Kamal Gunaratne graced the concluding ceremony of ‘Artificial Limb Fitment Camp’ conducted for war veterans and their families, organized by the Ranaviru Seva Authority (RVSA), at the Ragama Ranaviru Sevana today (Mar 07).
The 35 day long ‘Artificial Limb Fitment Camp’ was held to facilitate handicapped war veterans of the Sri Lankan armed forces and Police under the sponsorship of Indian High Commission in SL, through Shree Bhagwan Mahaveer Viklang Sahayata Samiti (BMVSS), in Jaipur, India.
The Jaipur-based BMVSS was founded in 1975 and also reckoned as the world’s largest organisation for the differently-able personnel in terms of provision of artificial limbs and other related reliefs.
The Defence Secretary addressing the gathering said “I salute those gallant officers and soldiers who relentlessly pursued the nation’s enemy to the desired end” adding, “I firmly believe that the whole nation’s gratitude must be bestowed upon the sons of our beloved motherland who sacrificed their lives and limbs shedding blood, sweat and tears for the solidarity and unity of the people and sovereignty of the country”.
Meanwhile, he also recalled all welfare measures initiated by the Defence Ministry for armed forces, Police and the Civil Security Department personnel while allowing its benefits to their dependents under the guidance of the President in the recent past.
Extending his heartfelt gratitude to all those who contributed to conduct this project assisted by the Government of India, Gen. Gunaratne said it is a measure to display camaraderie amongst the two countries.
He also valued the BMVSS for their dedicated efforts to empower the lives of all those individuals who suffer owing to a multitude of incapacitations all around the globe.
Further mentioning the long-existing friendly ties between India and Sri Lanka, he went on saying “This mutual understanding the two nations share, keeps further strengthening due to many interactions in the recent past which had been focused to accomplish common interests in sustaining peace, security and cooperation in the vast Indian Ocean Region”.
Culminating the proceedings of the event, Gen. Gunaratne presented commemorative gifts and certificates to BMVSS technical experts in order to appreciate their service rendered for this noble cause.
This was inaugurated while marking the occasion of the 75th Independence Day of the Government of India and the 74th Independence Day of Sri Lanka strengthening the Indo-Sri Lanka fraternity with the assistance of the Indian High Commissioner His Excellency Gopal Baglay, under the auspices of the Government of India.
The event saw the fullest coordination of the RVSA Chairperson Maj. Gen. Nandana Senadeera (Retd), in collaboration with the armed forces, Police and the Civil Defence Force following the guidance of the Defence Ministry.
Acting Chief of Defence Staff and Army Commander Gen. Shavendra Silva, RVSA Chairperson Maj. Gen. Nandana Senadeera (Retd), RVSA Vice Chairperson Sonia Kottegoda, Indian Defence Advisor in Sri Lanka Capt. Vikas Sood and their officials, team members of BMVSS, military and Police officers, war veterans and their family members and distinguished invitees were present at the event.
