Mar 21, Kilinochchi: For the first time in history of Sri Lanka, a large batch of Tamil women soldiers passed out in a colorful parade in Kilinochchi of the Northern Province.

A batch of 95 recently-enlisted Tamil woman soldiers passed out in the parade held at the Security Force Headquarters- Kilinochchi (SFHQ-KLN) premises Thursday (21).

The Army said this was the first time a large group of Tamil women joined the ranks although there were a few Tamil woman officers serving in the force.

The new ranks in accordance with military traditions presented a Guard of Honour to the Chief Guest on the occasion Major General Udaya Perera, Security Force Commander-Kilinochchi ceremony. The ceremony was headed by Brigadier R. Rathnasingham, Director Sports at Army Headquarters.

The new soldiers from Mullaitivu, Vavuniya, Kilinochchi, and Mannar areas are recruited to the 6 (v) Sri Lanka Army Women's Corps.

They have undergone four-month long initial military training in addition to physical training sessions, IT training, Sinhala and English learning, training for Civil-Military relations, reconciliation and several other spheres of learning, connected to co-existence and harmony.

The female Tamil soldiers will serve as civil affairs coordinators and clerks in the north shortly.

"Direct recruitment of Tamil women en bloc as woman soldiers to the Sri Lanka Army amply confirms the fact that the Army, contrary to allegations, made by some quarters, does not discriminate on ethnicity as such when it matters to recruitment of soldiers to the organization," the Army said in a statement.

Soldiers' families, parents, relatives and friends also participated in the ceremony.

During the ceremony trophies for the Best Platoon, Best Section Commander, Best Sports Woman, Best in Drills and the Best Recruit were also awarded to the new woman soldiers. In addition, 44 woman soldiers also received scooters as gifts to facilitate their transport needs.