20th September 2016 18:16:20 Hours
Trincomalee, one of the most popular tourist resorts in the island which also boasts a legendary maritime and war history turned more attractive on Monday (19) when the Army bestowed a state-of-the-art ‘Orr’s Hill Army Museum’ upon it during a ceremony, held at the 22 Division Headquarters this morning (19).
At the invitation of the 22 Division Headquarters of the Security Force Headquarters - East (SFHQ-E), Lieutenant General Crishanthe De Silva, Commander of the Army who graced the occassion as the Chief Guest bought a ticket and declared the new Museum opened in the company of Major General Kumudu Perera, General Officer Commanding, 22 Division.
The open air Museum, perhaps the first-ever largest of the kind in the country brings refreshing memories to life as this architectural marvel, situated atop the popular, ‘Orr’s Hill’ overlooking picturesque and soothing Trincomalee harbour which provides a breath-taking view of the sunset, is an exceptional exhibition site, lying on a rare natural wealth, surrounded by the blue seas.
Specific separate exhibition areas, segmented as Infantry weapons, Armoured vehicles, Artillery guns and a resource person- manned audio-visual room, offer the visitors a wholesome picture of the exhibits, some of which have relevance even to the colonial times. Similarly, the exhibits on display at the location were mostly the weapons that were used against terrorists during the peak of the humanitarian operations before May 2009.
Lieutenant General Crishanthe De Silva after purchasing an entrance ticket to the new ‘Orr’s Hill Army Museum’ closely viewed all the exhibits in the complex and made inquiries into various aspects. He also shared views with the troops who constructed the site and thanked all of them before he left the premises. More significantly, the Commander gave away appreciative tokens of gifts to all those who sweated to make the Museum a reality.
Similarly, the Commander symbolized the ceremonial inauguration by unveiling a plaque at the entrance to the premises before he entered the Museum complex. All funds, generated through the Museum are to be used for welfare of families of fallen War Heroes, disable veterans and serving Army personnel in the 22 Division and elsewhere. A certain percentage of the proceeds has been allocated for maintenance and improvement of the Museum.
The novel project, equipped with a cafeteria also would remain open to the public from Tuesday (20) and provide the visitors with a glimpse of the remnants of Army and colonial masters’ history.
The renowned architect, Mr Kumudu Munasinghe has voluntarily prepared the roadmap for its birth as well as its implementation with the blessings of Major General Kumudu Perera who initiated the project as a tribute to the 22 Division Headquarters, which is situated in an awesome location, close to the heart of Trincomalee town. Major General K.M.U Wijeratne, Commander, Security Forces – East was also present at the inaugural ceremony.
