26th June 2023 21:40:32 Hours
The 8 Gajaba Regiment (GR) troops on Tuesday (20) at its HQ in Ukuwela, Matale marked its 22nd Anniversary giving prominence to multi religious observances.
Troops attended programmes at Matale Anurudu Arana Temple, Sri Muththumari Amman Hindu Kovil and St. Thomas' Church at Matale, prior to the anniversary day and participated in religious observances.
On the anniversary day (20), in accordance with military traditions, a ceremonial Guard Turnout and a Guard of Honour were presented to the Commanding Officer of 8 GR, Lieutenant Colonel Y.S.H.N.P Silva USP psc on his arrival at the camp premises. After a while, the Commanding Officer customarily addressed the troops and joined an All Rank lunch.
The 8 Gajaba Regiment was founded on 20 June 2001 as the war against terrorism was in progress and 8 GR troops actively contributed to the war in Sri Lanka. 3 Officers and 122 soldiers of the 8 GR sacrificed their lives for defence of the sovereignty of the motherland during the war for peace.
Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage RWP RSP ndu, Commander of the Army has served as the 7th Commanding Officer of the 8 GR from 1 January 2006 to 23 June 2008.
