Commander Opens SLNG's New Playground for Both Army & School Athletes

The Headquarter Battalion of the Sri Lanka National Guard (SLNG) at Heraliyawala, quite close to the SLNG Regimental Headquarters at Wehera, Kurunegala, extended a warm welcome to the Chief of Defence Staff and Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Shavendra Silva when he arrived at the HQ Battalion premises to open its new playground this morning (18).

At first, Lieutenant General Shavendra Silva called at the SLNG Regimental Headquarters at Wehera, Kurunegala where he was received by Major General Rasika Fernando, Colonel of the Regiment, SLNG and Deputy Chief of Staff.

The day’s opening ceremony at Heraliyawala began with presentation of military honours to the visiting Army Chief in a formal Guard Turnout at the entrance before he was ushered to review the Guard of Honour salute, presented by HQ Battalion troops.

The highlight of the sequence of events, opening of the new playground took place then after unveiling of a plaque to that effect by the day’s Chief Guest.

As another item of the agenda, the Chief Guest of the day was invited to plant a sapling as a symbol of his visit to the camp.

As has been the practice, hundreds of SLNG troops afterwards sat together to listen to the Commander’s address to them. During his speech, Lieutenant General Shavendra Silva underlined the importance of the Army contribution to the task of nation-building as skilled professionals, regarded high by the public.

“Today we opened a huge playground in Sri Lanka National Guard Regimental Headquarters Battalion Heraliyawala, surrounded by few villages. During the “Anushasana” of the Ven monk, he stated that this land was earlier used for some illegal activities before the Army camp was established and now the villagers are also benefited after the camp was set up”.

“We established this play ground to enhance the sports skills of the Officers and Other Ranks of the SLNG. As we know, Kurunegala has few grounds and we will also develop this ground too”.

“These facilities will be not only for the Army, but also for school athletes in surrounding schools”, he added.

“HE the President instructed us to help develop sports talents of island-wide schools utilizing expertise in tri services and improving infrastructure and a discussion to this effect with the Sports Minister has already been done. Accordingly, tri service sports instructors, camps, playgrounds and other facilities could be made available to school athletes also”.

Towards the end of the address to the troops, Major General Rasika Fernando, Colonel of the Regiment, SLNG appreciated the Chief Guest’s presence at the occasion and awarded a symbolic memento.

The day’s proceedings culminated with an All Rank tea where the Chief Guest took time off to share a few thoughts with the troops. Before his departure, he also on request sat for a couple of group photos and left a few compliments in the Visitors’ Book.

Several SLNG Senior Officers and Other Ranks were associated with the day’s programme.Running Sneakers Store | Nike for Men