 |
THE inaugural announcement in connection with the forthcoming Army 60th Anniversary celebrations on the theme “Victory Through Commitment, Dedication, Sacrifice & Professionalism” was made this morning (18) at Army Headquarters by Chief of Staff Major General Mendaka Samarasinghe and the Steering Committee of the 60th Anniversary Celebrations.
Major General Samarasinghe who is also the Chairman, Steering Committee of the 60th Anniversary Celebrations briefed the media on the sequence of elaborate and multifarious arrangements in progress giving pride of place to religious activities, Army Day programmes, issue of the Anniversary stamp and the coin, ceremonial parades, etc, he said.
The official commencement of the ceremonies is to be spearheaded at Anuradhapura Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi beginning 2nd October 2009.
As at present, the Army is composed of five Security Forces Headquarters, five Forward Maintenance Areas, fourteen Divisions, six Task Force Headquarters, sixty-four Brigades, seven Area Headquarters, two Sub Area Headquarters and twenty-three Regiments.
The Anniversary falls at a time the entire world looks at the Sri Lanka Army with admiration and respect particularly in the aftermath of the elimination of the scourge of LTTE terrorism that affected the entire fabric of our society and the region.
The Army’s role in de-mining, humanitarian services, national emergencies, etc, needless to mention has already received commendation and laurels and the Army is prepared to extend its fullest support to the overall development strategy of the government, Major General Samarasinghe added.
The Army Exhibition at the BMICH premises between 3rd-7th October 2009 is expected to draw an average of 100,000 spectators per day as the mega exhibition is to display captured LTTE equipment, arms and ammunition, LTTE suicide boats and submarines, model operations that started from Mavil Aru and ended in Puthumattalan, Army’s participatory roles in disaster management, humanitarian work and many other spheres of Army involvements. On all five days of the Exhibition, separate entertaining musical programmes and fire work displays have also been scheduled, providing entertainment to the public. It is open to the public from 10.00 a.m to 10.00 p.m each day and the entrance ticket is priced at Rs. 50.00.
The Army Tattoo, the final and one of the most thrilling and important phases of the whole programme is to begin on 17th October 2009 and will continue till 23rd at Kettarama Stadium, Colombo.
This mega display will highlight Army heroism, gallantry, acrobatics and an assortment of undisputed skills of the Army that have now reached international standards of professionalism. Speedy fixing of vehicles and instant construction of temporary bridges, Special skill show of elite Commando units and Special Forces, inclusive of obstacle crossings, dog shows, model simulation attacks, parachute jumps, cultural shows, women’s corps display, climbing of high rises and a host of other exclusive talents.
Major General Mano Perera, Head for overall security arrangements for the main highlights in the celebratory programme outlined how security measures would come into effect giving the least possible inconvenience to the public.
Following Chairmen in the Steering Committee were also present on the occasion. (See the photo from left to right seated at the head table)
 |
 |
 |
Major General L.B. Aluvihare, Logistic Command, Major General J.J.P.S.T. Liyanage, Master General Ordnance, Major General W.G.M.U.R. Perera, Deputy Chief of Staff, Major General M.C.M.P. Samarasinghe, Chief of Staff, Brigadier, V.U.B. Nanayakkara, Director Media and Military Spokesman, Major General A.M. Perera, Director General General Staff. Other Chairmen present at the briefing included Major General D.M.D Alwis, Chief Field Engineer, Major General L.A.D. Amaratunge,Colonel Commandant Sri Lanka Army Medical Corps, Major General M.P. Pieris, Military Secretary and Brigadier D.S. Weerasekara.
Here is the full sequence of the 60th Anniversary celebratory programme (October 2 – 23, 2009)
1. FIRST STAGE:
Religious Observances
a. 2nd October 2009
The inaugural Flag Blessing Ceremony on all Army units will take place at the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi precincts in Anuradhapura, attended by Atamasthanadipathi, Members of the Maha Sangha and senior Army officers.
b. 5th October 2009
Islamic religious observances at Davatagaha Jumma mosque.
c. 6th October 2009
Hindu religious observances at Sri Bala Selvanayagam Moorthi Kovil, Maradana. (Captain’s Garden)
d. 7th October 2009
Christian service at Cathedral church in Colombo - 7.
2. SECOND STAGE: 10th October 2009 - Army Day Military Parade
a. Guard of Honour accorded to the Commander of the Army.
b. Commander’s address to the troops.
c. Launching of the Army History Book (1999-2009). First copies to be presented to HE the President, Defence Secretary and CDS.
d. Issue of the anniversary stamp and the first-day cover.
e. Issue of the commemorative coin.
f. Commander’s visit to military hospital to see recuperating soldiers.
g. All-night Pirith chanting at Sri Bodhirajaramaya, Panagoda.
3. THIRD STAGE
a. Guard of Honour for the Chief of Defence Staff at Army Headquarters on 12th October 2009.
4. FOURTH STAGE : (OCTOBER 3-6) - ARMY EXHIBITION
a. The Army exhibition is to be held from (3rd - 7th October 2009) at the Bandaranaike Memorial Conference Hall (BMICH) premises.
This mega exhibition splits into many different sections related to the Army’s evolution and its expansion, roles of all the regiments and their contribution to war victories and military firepower.One of the major attractions is the display of captured LTTE equipment, arms and ammunition, suicide boats, submarines, etc during the humanitarian operations that started from Mavil Aru in 2005 and ended in Puthumathalan in May 2009. Participatory roles in disaster management work and national emergencies are also to be exhibited during the display. Entrance fee to the exhibition is priced at Rs.50.00. It is open to the public from 10.00 a.m. to 10.00 p.m. each day.
.
5. FIFTH STAGE (OCTOBER 17-23) - ARMY TATTOOa. The Army Tattoo, the final and another important phase of the whole programme will commence on 17th October 2009 and will continue till 23rd at Kettarama Stadium, Colombo.
This mega display will highlight Army heroism, gallantry, acrobatics and an assortment of undisputed skills of the Army that have now reached international standards of professionalism. Speedy fixing of vehicles and instant construction of temporary bridges, Special skills’ show of elite Commando units and Special Forces, inclusive of obstacle crossings, dog shows, model simulation attacks, parachute jumps, cultural shows, women’s corps display, climbing of high rises and a host of other exclusive talents. An estimated crowd of about 20,000 people are expected during this event on a daily basis.
The Tattoo will be open from 5.30-10.00 p.m. on all seven days. Entry tickets are available at the entrances to the Stadium and at Cargills Food City outlets. Tickets are priced at Rs. 200/= , Rs.500/=, Rs.1000/= and Rs.2000/=.
