A RESPECTFUL APPEAL FROM THE VETERANS OF THE SRI LANKA EX-SERVICEMEN’S ASSOCIATION
Dear Sir/Madam,
Subject: Appeal for Support in Establishing a Convalescent Care Facility for Veterans
I trust this letter finds you in good health and high spirits. I have the honor to present this appeal on behalf of all members of our Association, with the full authorization of our President, Colonel Ajith Siyambalapitiya.
Today, 4th February 2025, we commemorate the 77th anniversary of Sri Lanka’s independence—a momentous day that witnessed the Honorable D.S. Senanayake proclaim our nation’s sovereignty on 4th February 1948. On that historic occasion, he received the independence scrolls from four distinguished athletes representing our nation’s unity: Duncan White, Lakshman Kadiragamar, Oscar Wijesinghe, and M.A.M. Sherif, symbolizing the four main communities from across our beloved island.
As we celebrate this milestone, we honor the memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country and remember with deep respect our living veterans who continue to bear the physical and emotional scars of their service to the nation.
In 2019, the Ex-Servicemen’s Association was honored to receive a substantial donation of eight acres of prime land in Bolagala, Katana, generously bequeathed by Mrs. Placida Bharatha Wickremasinghe, widow of the late Mr. Bharatha Wickremasinghe (may his soul rest in eternal peace). This act of philanthropy continues the legacy of Mr. Wickremasinghe, who had previously donated two acres of land along with his ancestral home to our Association—the current site of our Veterans Home, which has provided dignified accommodation for elderly veterans for the past thirty-eight years.
The eight-acre property, located approximately two kilometers from our existing Veterans Home, was specifically donated with the express purpose of establishing a comprehensive convalescent care facility for our disabled and health-impaired veterans.
The proposed facility aims to address the critical healthcare needs of our less-abled veterans, providing them with specialized medical and rehabilitative care during their most vulnerable periods, dignified living conditions that honor their service to the nation, comprehensive support services to enhance their quality of life, and a therapeutic environment conducive to recovery and wellbeing. This initiative represents more than infrastructure development; it embodies our national commitment to those who devoted their lives to protecting our sovereignty and democratic values.
On behalf of all members of the Sri Lanka Ex-Servicemen’s Association, I respectfully appeal to your esteemed office, fellow citizens, and the Government of Sri Lanka for your generous support in constructing this vital facility on the donated land. We recognize that such an undertaking requires significant resources and expertise. Therefore, we humbly place the planning, design, and construction of this facility in your capable hands, trusting in your commitment to our veterans’ welfare.
Upon completion, we propose that the facility’s operations be collaboratively managed by personnel from all three armed forces, ensuring comprehensive care that draws upon the collective expertise and dedication of our military community.
This appeal is made with the full authorization of our Association’s President, Colonel Ajith Siyambalapitiya, who serves as the principal point of contact for this initiative. I encourage all interested parties to engage directly with him regarding this project. While my advancing years (86) limit my active involvement in project implementation, my commitment to supporting our veterans remains unwavering, and I pledge to contribute whatever assistance lies within my capacity.
This appeal transcends a simple request for funding; it represents our collective responsibility to honor those who served our nation with distinction. The establishment of this convalescent facility will stand as a lasting testament to Sri Lanka’s gratitude toward its veterans and our commitment to their continued welfare.
We would be deeply grateful for your kind consideration of our request and any assistance you may be able to provide. Should you require any additional information or wish to discuss this matter further, please do not hesitate to contact our President directly.
Yours faithfully,
Quintus Andradi
Veteran and Member
Sri Lanka Ex-Servicemen’s Association
Tel: WhatsApp 0777 939 611
Email: andradiquintus@yahoo.com
Copy to: Colonel Ajith Siyambalapitiya
President, Sri Lanka Ex-Servicemen’s Association
Email: ajithsiyam@gmail.com
