Corporal Karunaratna sets off from Dondra Point to Point Pedro by wheelchair

• Bold initiative to mark International Day for Persons with Disabilities

by P D De Silva

The Sri Lanka Army’s top brass, including its Commander Lieutenant General Mahesh Senanayaka, were at Dondra Point last morning to encourage disabled war hero Corporal P K G G Karunarathna, who set off from Dondra Point to traverse the length of Sri Lanka by wheelchair to mark the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, which fell yesterday.

Corporal Karunarathna joined the Sri Lanka Army in September 2007 and served in the Gajaba Regiment. It was unfortunate that he was wounded in the Humanitarian Operation and had both legs amputated. He is an inmate of Abimansala III now. Corporal Karunarathna hopes to complete the grueling 581 kilometres and reach Point Pedro on 11 December.