Commander Visits His Unit &;amp; Inaugurates 55th Anniversary Ceremonies

Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya last evening (2) visited his mother unit, Sri Lanka Armoured Corps (SLAC) Regimental Centre at Rock House, Mutuwal and joined several inaugural commemorative programmes, precursor to its forthcoming Corps Day (December 15) on completion of 55 years of its founding.

Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya, who is also the Colonel of the Regiment, as the first item of his day’s itinerary, saluted fallen War Heroes after placing floral wreaths, made of Poppy flowers at the SLAC memorial, adjacent to the camp perimeter. He was joined by Mrs Laly Kobbekaduwa, the widow of Lieutenant General Denzil Kobbekaduwa, one of the most respected and illustrious war veterans, ever groomed by the SLAC. A large gathering of widows, parents, children and next of kin of fallen SLAC War Heroes followed suit afterwards and honoured them. 

Later on, Lieutenant General Jayasuriya participated in a foundation stone laying ceremony for construction of a modern mess building for other ranks, a long-felt need at the Regimental Centre, amidst Seth Pirith chanting. Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya after observing religious rites, offered Pirikara to the monks.  Lieutenant General Jayasuriya also did not forget to inquire into the proposed construction of the new building and had a glimpse into its architectural plan.

During his stay at the Regimental Centre, the Commander took time off to mingle with those relatives of fallen War Heroes and shared a couple of thoughts with them, in order to find out their well-being and needs of their families. He also joined a tree planting campaign, organized in connection with the day’s programme. 

Adding one more importance to the agenda, Mrs Manjulika Jayasuriya, in her capacity as the chairperson, Sri Lanka Armoured Corps Seva Vanitha Unit, received another gesture of goodwill for another worthy cause. Philanthropists, Mr Seeras Mohammad, Chairman, Reema Jewellery (Pvt) Ltd and Mr D. Shammugam donated text books, worth Rs.100,000/= to the SLAC Seva Vanitha Unit for the distribution among children of the SLAC soldiers.

Commander of the Army on arrival at the premises was received by SLAC Centre Commandant Brigadier I.P Ranasinghe. Many senior SLAC officers were in attendance for the occasion.

The SLAC arrangements on the day in connection with its forthcoming 55th anniversary culminated with an all night Pirith chanting ceremony. Monks were conducted in a colourful procession to the camp premises, preceded by dancers and flag bearers. An alms-giving this morning (3) brought the first segment of the ceremonies to an end.