Heroes are made not born. They are forged in the heat of battle where honor is but a state of mind and glory a myth that vanishes in a flash. Remembered in fits and starts when conscience strikes but otherwise largely forgotten the heroes of our two-decade war languish in the shadows of oblivion.

Many people are familiar with “Rananviru Sevana”, the haven for those injured in the course of duty, which lies at the end of a long, hot and porthole-ridden road in Ragama since its birth in 1991. It is equally apparent that they are in dire need of equipment for rehabilitation purposes. Especially exercise machines to provide the necessary therapy. Loss of a limb, either in the lower or upper body leads a person to face a myriad of challenges even in performing the most menial tasks. However it is heartening to note that these soldiers who are now fighting a battle on a different front are finding the courage to move beyond their injuries and look forward to life armed with hope.

Overcoming serious injuries caused on the battlefield is a long and painful process. Special equipment is needed for rehabilitation, which unfortunately is expensive and requires assistance from private parties to assemble. Yet the results reaped by soldiers practicing badminton with shuttlecocks taped together and rickety racquets, sparse supplies of shoes, uniforms and machines that have passed their better days can be seen in the impressive showing they have managed at International Tournaments for the differently abled.

“Disabled people need special equipment to train. Many of our athletes took to sports after they were injured on the battlefield and came here. Everything began as part of their rehabilitation and once they showed progress was hooked to pursue it at national and international level. The highest award we have achieved is a fourth place in swimming at the 2004 Para Olympics, who was a below the knee amputee and had never swum before his injury. Among the other major laurels are 10th place in Archery, which was snatched from 152 competitors and a high jumper with his right arm paralyzed,” outlined Captain DTLS Karavithage SLLI giving a glimpse into the potential that lies untapped.

He added that many of the exercise machines displayed on TV and newspaper commercials would be ideal for training. Achieving fitness through conventional methods such as jogging is not on the cards for these people and avoiding further aggravation to injuries also demands attention. Fitness training is carried out in two categories, we learn one as recreation and the other geared for competitive sports. For the latter qualified coaches volunteer or are sent from the Sports Ministry while both can be developed if donations of exercise machines such as Sky Riders, Total Gyms and Obi Treks are made available, especially for the use of amputees.

Sports are also considered to be the perfect antidote to depression, predictably arising from the trauma of loosing a limb and a way of life. Bagging 25 medals, 13 of them gold the remainder silver at the Fespic Games in Bussan 2002 is the prefect example to showing how far the march has progressed. Fueled by this boost around 1500 soldiers were put under a basic training schedule carried out by several organizations including the Ranaviru Sevana.

As this is the only center of its kind for all three forces for the treatment of around 9000 personnel 152 of who are inmates. Since its start in 1992 the sports center has traveled the distance in proving that Sri Lanka can be among the best. The next test looming in the horizon is the Fespic Games 2006 in Kuala Lumpur just four months away. Selections will be made in the 1st week of May and Ranaviru Sevana hopes to send at least ten people from there institution to form the contingent representing Sri Lanka in the disciplines of Athletics, Badminton, Shooting and Swimming.

With dreams of being part of this august group Lance Corporal Upul Bandara spends many hours sweating away in the small badminton court that also doubles as a gym and makeshift storeroom. Hailing from Kandy he found his future inexorably linked with the Ranaviru Sevana after a brutal bullet took away his left arm completely. Faced with the challenge of balancing himself he focused on Badminton as a means to an end of becoming independent once more. In this he has undoubtedly succeeded. Winning medals in the German Open and other Tournaments in India and Malaysia.

“It is difficult to find the equipment to practice. For us this is not just a pastime but part of our very survival. Building physical power is essential for us to lead normal lives. I would like to continue playing for my country but we lack support,” he said expressing issues that have plagued the sports center for many years.

As a solution to this the Hayleys Group kicked off a CSR Project to repair the dilapidated hydrotherapy center at the Ranaviru Sevana last October. A venture that absorbed a budget of over Rs.250 000. With it’s completion they are focusing on moving into other areas including furnishing medical supplies. With the assistance of the public they hope to continue providing facilities for those who have already given the ultimate in sacrifices.

“We launched this Project after a two month research and response has been encouraging. E-mails have been circulated and we have had inquiries from aboard. Nonetheless these soldiers are survivors. They are proud of their independence and are not going to come to us and beg for help. It is our duty to identify and provide for them. If we can give something simple to boost their moral then that is what they need. Appreciation for who they are. That we have not forgotten. Everything from medicine, equipment and even a one-day outing would serve that purpose,” said Coordinating Officer Dulshan Hammangoda.

Despite being garlanded as “Heroes” they are simply humans, nothing more, nothing less and that is the greatest accolade that can be given to them.