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Sri Lanka Army

Defender of the Nation

Army's Most Senior Regiment Marks Its 55th Anniversary

Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya who is also the Colonel Commandant of Sri Lanka Armoured Corps (SLAC) attended ceremonies, associated with SLAC Corps Day and SLAC’s 55th Anniversary on Wednesday (15) at the SLAC Regimental Centre, Rock House, Mutuwal.

To begin the day’s proceedings in accordance with military traditions, Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya inspected the Guard Turnout on arrival at the Regimental Centre after he was warmly welcomed by the Centre Commandant. Minutes after that, the visiting Colonel Commandant SLAC Regiment, received the Guard of Honour accorded in his honour by soldiers of his unit. In the company of the Parade Commander, Lieutenant General Jayasuriya afterwards inspected the parade before everybody observed a one-minute silence in memory of fallen SLAC War Heroes.

The next moment of the day’s agenda was sensitive and solemn as names of dead SLAC War Heroes in the past two years were announced, inviting next of kin of those late War Heroes in the assembly to receive SLAC memorabilia on behalf of their beloved ones. Seven SLAC officers and other ranks, who lost their lives were posthumously awarded those tributes.

Exposing the SLAC identity its evolution and the status quo as the most senior Corps in the Army, the SLAC proudly inaugurated its website www.armouredcorps.lk for the first time in its history. Commander of the Army symbolically pressed a button and declared it open.

The rest of the day’s programme included distribution of school books, bags and scholarships among children of SLAC families following initiatives taken by Mrs Manjulika Jayasuriya, President, Seva Vanitha Army Branch and chairperson, SLAC Seva Vanitha Unit, a variety entertainment show, presentation of gifts and merit awards, fancy dress competitions among SLAC children and families, fun-making events among SLAC officers and soldiers, etc.

Lieutenant General Jayasuriya in his address to the occasion paid a glittering tribute to his mother unit saying that it was the experience that he gathered made him to climb the ladder to become the fourth Commander, produced by the SLAC. Here is his full speech;

“Sri Lanka Armoured Corps that celebrates its 55th Anniversary today is the most senior Regiment in the Sri Lanka Army which inherits a proud history. Professionalism and the pride of this Regiment were nurtured by the officers and soldiers who served in the Regiment during the past 55 years. As the Commander of the Army and the Colonel Commandant of the Regiment, I’m proud to be present here today and address you on this precious moment.

I believe the maturity I gained from my Mother Unit, Sri Lanka Armoured Corps helped me to climb up the ladder to be the fourth SLAC Commander of the Army produced by the Regiment. By maintaining high standards and preserving the unique status of the Regiment, everybody should unite to achieve more challenging assignments in the future.

Sri Lanka Armoured Corps always remained a decisive factor within the Sri Lanka Army as its loyalty, dedication, professionalism and discipline made up of the main ingredients. I expect you to show the same unshaken gallantry you showed ahead of the enemy while working towards the stability and the development of the country. Though the war has ended and the country is united again, we should be always be prepared to face greater challenges.

I would like to state that you have a greater responsibility to back the Commander in Chief HE the President Mahinda Rajapaksa in realization of his vision to make our mother land a wonder of development. 

Through Humanitarian Operations we rescued the people who were held hostage by the terrorists. It is the responsibility of the entire army to protect those people and to take to a higher level in development. We should uplift the entire nation after the war situation. Same as we rescued the lives, people believe that we would develop the nation too. Time has come to act in developing that faith people keep on us. 
 
You should be devoted not to let terrorism rise up its head again in the country. I assure that the entire army will be on alert for that. No matter what powers rise up in the international arena, as the Commander of the Army I state with great responsibility that no traitor will be allowed to rise up in this country. The guidance received from Secretary Defence Mr. Gotabaya Rajapakse in achieving that is a great strength.

I believe that the Army should be further strengthened to face any situation. The government is already negotiating to get high-tech armoured vehicles built in Russia to strengthen the Armoured Corps. With that strengthening, we can expect more opportunities for troopers to take part in United Nations Peas Keeping duties.
My opinion is that strengthening the army should also be achieved through improved welfare. Already a large number of welfare projects are carried out for the soldiers by the government and the army.  I believe you are already aware of this. Entire army will be benefited from this.

There is a large number who were directly involved in safe guarding mother land from the terrorists and who were permanently disabled. Its our duty to look after them. Under the Brave Heats project Seva Vanitha Army Branch together with the army is building luxury resorts to shelter and look after totally disabled dependent War Heroes, constructing houses and assisting to improve facilities of their houses.
 
I would also like to appreciate the support rendered by the Armoured Corps Veterans Association.
 
It is one of my expectations to further improve the present achievements in sports by the entire army and the talents and to bring the army to a leading position in the field of sports. Armoured corps should be determined to give a greater support in achieving that.

I believe all of you will continue to work with much dedication in further development of our regiment.

I would also like to pay my gratitude to the fallen and wounded war heroes. They sacrificed their lives and the youth hood fighting the ruthless terrorists to safeguard the sovereignty of the motherland. I also wish speedy recovery to all officers and soldiers who were wounded in the war and still being treated in hospitals.

Finally, let me wish all Officers and Soldiers of our Regiment and members of their families, family members of all fallen heroes, those officers and soldiers of other Regiments who work, attached to our Regiment and their families, members of the civil staff and their families and those who have served the Regiment and retired and their family members a prosperous New Year, filled with joy and harmony.

Wish you all a prosperous future”.