The Sri Lankan army declared that it had renovated and built a series of buildings and a war memorial statue, at a military camp in Vanni this week, as it continues to consolidate its presence in the North-East.
Sri Lanka’s 621 Brigade located in Manalaaru, or 'Weli Oya' in Sinhala, saw the renovation of its canteen and the construction of a new Corporals’ Club, reports an official military website.
In addition, a statue, which was designed by a Sri Lankan soldier turned Buddhist monk, was also renovated.
Buddhist monks were invited to the ceremony, which also saw the presentation of a booklet “related to the establishment of this Headquarters at a time LTTE terrorism was fast developing” reported the Sri Lankan military.
Earlier this year, the same army camp had a new mess built with “dining hall, spacious lobby, TV room and a state-of-the-art kitchen in addition to a few rooms available for Officers,” according to the military.
The latest announcement comes as the Sri Lankan military continues to build on its presence in the North-East, despite pledges from the government that the region would be demilitarised. In Mullaitivu, where the 621 Brigade is located, the Sri Lankan military maintains a particularly large presence, with as many as one Sri Lankan soldier present for every two civilians.
