Presidential salute to World Scout Day celebrations

World Scout Day celebrations and the awarding of President’s Scout certificates were held under the patronage of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa at the Presidential Secretariat earlier this week. 

The Scout Movement is the largest voluntary organisation for children in the world, with 52 million children in 172 countries. The highest award a Scout can receive is the President’s Scout Medal. 

The Chief Commissioner of the Sri Lanka Scout Association Attorney-at-Law Janaprith Fernando welcomed the Chief Scout President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, adorning a scout scarf when the President arrived at the venue.

The President paid floral tributes to the statue of Scout movement founder Robert Baden-Powell, and then presented the Presidential Scout Awards to selected Scouts, one person from each district. In parallel to the program held at the Presidential Secretariat, nine programs were held at the provincial level and 700 President’s Scouts were awarded certificates. The program was conducted by connecting all the provinces live via online.

Assistant Chief Commissioner Prabath Kularatne presented the report on the successful completion of the National Scout Operation to plant 100,000 saplings to the President. President Rajapaksa distributed saplings symbolising the program to create a green home garden in every Scout’s home. Chief Commissioner Janaprith Fernando also presented a memento to the President.

Secretary to the President Gamini Senarath, Ministry of Education Secretary Prof. Kapila Perera, Past Chief Scout Commissioner Major Gen. Milinda Peiris, Deputy Chief Commissioner M.F.S. Muheed and others were present at the occasion.