The Commander during a couple of meetings with senior officers of the Sri Lanka Army Ordnance Corps (SLAOC) most recently underlined the need to be self-sufficient in military supplies and materials, thereby saving a lot of financial resources for the Army.

As a result of those initiatives, Major General R.V Udawatta, Colonel of the Regiment, SLAOC, together with officers, explored possibilities of manufacturing all iron and metal accessories, vehicle canopies, uniform stitching instruments, bed sheets, shoes and boots, printing machines, etc within the premises of the Ordnance School at Dombagoda, Horana after erecting separate buildings for this purpose.

The new factory, thus established at the same premises under the first phase is to produce 50 iron beds per day with a workforce of about 75 Army personnel and is to be commanded by Colonel H.L Guruge, Factory Commandant.

Monday’s (1) opening ceremony preceded religious observances after the arrival of the Commander of the Army who was received by Major General R.V Udawatta, Colonel of the Regiment, SLAOC.

After unveiling the plaque that had been placed on a tiny mountain slope, the Chief Guest for the occasion, cut a ribbon and inaugurated the new project. Accompanied by a host of senior officers, including Major General E.M.M Ambanpola, Deputy Chief of Staff, Major General Nandana Udawatta, Master General Ordnance, Major General T.N Jayasuriya, Director, Directorate of Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, the Commander was afterwards ushered to see how the factory is in operation, manufacturing iron beds under the first phase. (SL Army)