THE FAMOUS Dorai Appa esplanade in the heart of Jaffna hitherto used by state and military authorities for urgent essential administration purposes for a long time was re-assigned to the public on an initiative taken by Major General G.A. Chandrasiri Commander, Security Forces (SFHQ-J) during a ceremony on 26th April at the stadium.
On the invitation of SFHQ (J), Jaffna District Secretary Mr. K. Ganesh, Asst District Secretary Mr. M. Sivasami, Jaffna Municipal Commissioner Mr. Saravanapawan and District Secretary Mr. Muriyadesan Jakuri and several other civil administrative officers were there to receive the official hand-over.
The colourful event commenced after the Jaffna Arts and Cultural Society members presented the welcome dance, followed by dancing troupes of the students in the adjoining school.
To coincide with the occasion, a special fair for sale of essential items and goods was also organized by Jaffna Traders Association at the same place where thousands of consumers thronged to by their essentials at reasonable price.
SFHQ (J) also took necessary arrangement to release the public park and the adjoining Mani Appa Shivam Kovil for use of the public after renovating them with the assistance of civilians in the area.
A day long medical clinic was also held at a close location to marked the occasion. SFHQ-J medical teams treated hundreds of ailing civilians during the clinic. At the end of the day’s programme over 3000 exercise books collected by the SFHQ-J were distributed among school children. Separately special gift parcels were given away to artists who took part in cultural programmes.(Courtesy : Sri Lanka Army )