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Sri Lanka Army

Defender of the Nation

Defence Secretary Recalls Cherished Memories In His Previous Fortress

Former Commanding Officer of the 1st Battalion, Gajaba Regiment (1989 - 1990) turned Sri Lanka’s highly respected incumbent Defence Secretary had the rare chance of dignifying his old Regimental Headquarters at Saliyapura, Anuradhapura once again when he, in the company of Commander of the Army ceremonially, opened two new Holiday Resorts plus a drinking water scheme for ‘keterians’ (Gajaba soldiers)  at its Saliyapura headquarters this morning (15).

Secretary Defence Mr Gotabaya Rajapaksa on arrival at the Gajaba Regiment Headquarters, his yesteryear professional fortress, now as a retired career soldier, was accorded a Guard of Honour, befitting military traditions. He received the military salute in the company of Regimental Commander Major General S.W.L Dalugala after the visiting Defence Secretary inspected the Guard Turn Out at the entrance to the headquarters complex.

The visiting Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya was also welcomed on arrival according separate military honours to him, prior to the arrival of the Defence Secretary at the location. 

Minutes after military honours were over, Secretary Defence, on the invitation of the Commander of the Army and Gajaba Regimental Commander, unveiled a plaque and declared one of the two-storied holiday bungalows. Each unit has eight rooms with all the facilities. Both officers as well as soldiers could use those facilities.  Later on, Lt Gen Jayasuriya, Commander of the Army cut a ribbon and opened the newly-built second holiday resort, close to the first one in the premises.

As the second leg of the day’s itinerary, the Chief Guest afterwards inaugurated a new drinking water project at the premises. The new water supply is to provide adequate drinking water to all mess halls and common places in the complex throughout day and night. The project has cost Gajaba Regiment some  Rs. 2 lakhs. Before departure from the premises, Secretary Defence did not forget to share a couple of thoughts and views with several senior officers with special relevance to his past memories when he was earlier serving as a Gajaba Regiment officer.

Both Secretary Defence and Commander of the Army placed floral wreaths before Gajaba Regiment War Hero monument prior to the ceremonies.

Colonel of the Regiment, Center Commandant, Regimental Headquarters and a gathering of senior and junior officers attended the ceremonies.