Army Commander commends soldiers who rescued drowning family

The Commander of the Army today presented special ‘Commendation Plaques’ and ‘Commendation Certificates’ to the two Kilinochchi-based soldiers of the 5 (V) Mechanized Infantry Regiment (MIR), who rescued a drowning mother and her two children. 

Lance Corporal D.G.S Amarasiri and Lance Corporal T.G.J.P Ariyarathne serving the 66 Division of the Security Force Headquarters - Kilinochchi (SFHQ-KLN) who were bypassing the Arasapurakulam Tank area in Arasapurakulam on 7 September 2019 suddenly spotted a screaming woman for help as her two children were drowning while she herself was struggling to keep her head above water inside the tank.

Both soldiers realizing the gravity of the situation swam towards sinking victims in no time and took both children and the mother out from the muddy waters, gave them artificial respiration and resuscitated them before all three were rushed to the closest Pooneryn Hospital with the help of civilians who assembled there.

Lieutenant General Shavendra Silva, Commander of the Army commending those two good Samaritans, their exemplary and timely intervention at the risk of own lives maintained that those types of brave acts epitomize the Army’s all-time preparedness to face challenges of this nature for the sake of humanity and the Nation, the SLA said.

Lieutenant General Silva appreciated their daring experience and stimulated them further by presenting special ‘Commendation Plaques’ and ‘Commendation Certificates’ after the brief interaction at the Commander’s Office. He also lauded their acts of bravery and said those interventions would serve as catalysts to others too.

Colonel S.J Priyadarshana, Centre Commandant, MIR and Major M.A.W.H Kumara, Commanding Officer, 5 (V) MIR were present during the Commander’s meet at Army Headquarters on Tuesday (17) afternoon.