SLRCS youth camp concludes in Trincomalee

[TamilNet, Tuesday, 02 March 2004, 13:13 GMT]
Three-day youth camp organized by the Youth Wing of the Sri Lanka Red Cross Society (SLRCS) in collaboration with the Trincomalee branch of the SLRCS concluded Sunday evening at the banks of Mahaidivulewea in Morawewa division in Trincomalee district. Country Delegate of the International Federation of Red Cross (IFRC), Mr.Alasdir Gibson, participated and distributed certificates to participants on the final day of the event.

Youths at the inaugural event

Fifty youths of all three communities, Sinhala, Tamil and Muslim, from the districts of Trincomalee, Batticaloa, Amparai, Matale and Kandy- ten persons from each district -participated in the camp, SLRCS sources said.

The objective of the youth camp was to promote ethnic harmony and better understanding among communities, according to the organizers of the camp.

On the inaugural day held on Friday the President of the SLRCS Mr.Jagath Abeyasuriya, SLRCS National Secretary Mr.S.H.Nimalkumar, Trincomalee SLRCS Chairman Dr.E.G.Gnanagunalan and SLRCS Senior National Co-ordinator Mr.Fahim participated.

IFRC Country delegate Mr.Gibson giving away certificates to participants

At the concluding event held Sunday SLRCS Director General Mr. Chandra Jayawaickrema, Youth Committee Chairman Mr.Bharatha, Director Development Ms.Ranaweera, HIV/AIDS Assistant Director Mr.A.H.Prematilake, IFRC Country Delegate Mr.Alasdir Gibson and Sri Lanka Force detachment in Morawewa Flight Lieutenant Dr.Hewaswasam participated.

SLRCS National Secretary Mr.Nimalkumar said the aim of the youth camp was to strengthen the peace now prevailing in Sri Lanka and to instill in the minds of the younger generation the urgent need to maintain and promote the existing peace.

Arch erected at the entrance to the youth camp located at the bank of Mahadivulwewa

Physical training for the youths at the banks of Mahadivulwewa tank

SLRCS National Secretary Mr.Nimalkumar is seen handing over certificate to a participant. SLRCS Trincomalee chairman Dr.Gnanagunalan (middle) is also seen



SLAF Flight Lieutenant Dr.Hewaswasam said the Mahaidivulewea area was once a battleground during the war. He was happy to see youths of all communities spending three days in the area to promote goodwill and harmony.

SLRCS Trincomalee Chairman Dr.Gnanagunalan also spoke.