U.S. forces to present Sri Lanka school with power generator, computers

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Mike Hammond
  • 13th Air Force Public Affairs
PUTTALAM TOWNSHIP, Sri Lanka --  U.S. forces participating in Operation Pacific Angel-Sri Lanka here, will present a local school with a power generator, computers, and associated equipment, according to Pacific Angel officials.

Earlier this week, Principal Ranjaney Fernando, of the Semandaluwa Kanista Vidyalaya primary school here where Pacific Angel renovations are currently underway, told journalists that the school lacked a consistent power supply to operate the school's single computer. The journalists then shared the request with U.S. Air Force Col. Wesley Cockman, Pacific Angel-Sri Lanka commander.

After learning of the request, Colonel Cockman coordinated with the U.S. Embassy in Colombo and U.S. Pacific Command in Hawaii to secure funding under the U.S. Department of Defense Security Cooperation Agency's Overseas Humanitarian, Disaster, and Civic Aid program. Within 48 hours, the funding request was processed, reviewed and approved, paving the way for the Pacific Angel- Sri Lanka team to provide the school a generator, computers and associated equipment.

"I am thrilled the request was approved," Colonel Cockman said upon hearing the news. "This funding will allow us to purchase equipment from Sri Lankan vendors and further enhance the ability of the school's dedicated staff to provide quality education to the 90 students there. In addition to the support from the U.S. Embassy in Colombo and U.S. Pacific Command, a key figure in this process has been Mr. Mohammed Nazmi, the mayor of Puttalam. He promised to provide the fuel which will be necessary to sustain the generator for the school. This was a very short notice opportunity, and it will be my great pleasure to witness Mrs. Fernando's reaction when she hears the good news for her school!"

A joint and combined team of U.S., Sri Lankan, and Mongolian civil engineers continue repairs at the Semandaluwa Kanista Vidyalaya and Mahasiyabalagaskada Vidyalaya (Neriyakulam) schools this week, planning to conclude the operation August 22. The engineering civic assistance programs, along with medical care and education missions, are part of Operation Pacific Angel-Sri Lanka. Pacific Angel is a U.S. Pacific Command-led program that aims to build cooperation and partnership. The effort in Sri Lanka is the fourth and final Pacific Angel of 2010. Four more Pacific Angel operations are planned for 2011 in other Asia-Pacific region.