A batch of 95 Tamil women soldiers recruited to the Sri Lanka Army held their passing out parade at the Killinochchi Army Camp grounds under the patronage of Army’s Director of Sports Brig. R. Ratnasingham on March 21.

Speaking on the occasion, Brig. Ratnasingham said women officers were recruited to the Army to establish a good rapport and civil co-ordination between the Tamil community in the North and the Army. The new recruits had completed a four month training at the Bharathipuram Army Training school in Killinochchi.

The women officers expressing their sentiments said that even though they had reservations at the time about joining the Army, they were now happy and proud to have become members of the Armed Forces.

Most of their parents said that eventhough critics including LTTE sympathizers spread false rumours to inconvenience the Army for recruiting Tamil girls, they as parents were happy that their children were afforded to serve the country and nation.

Private R Kajandanee was adjudged the best Sports Woman, while Private R Priya was adjudged the best in parade member and N Subhajani the most outstanding private.

Motor cycles were also distributed among the new recruits. Killinochchi GA Mrs Rupawathie Kethishwaran, parents and relatives of the new recruits were also present.

Source: Daily Mail (Sri Lanka)