Gajaba Regiment's Heroic Memories Revered on Anniversary Day

Gajaba Regiment (GR), one of the most prestigious and battle-hardened fighting units of the Sri Lanka Army, marked its 34th anniversary (Regimental Day) on Saturday (14) with a series of commemorative events at the Gajaba Regimental Headquarters at Saliyapura, Anuradhapura.

Major General Shavendra Silva, Colonel of the Regiment, GR as the Chief Guest for anniversary programmes, together with a host of Senior Officers were in Saliyapura with the intention of showing his sentimental gratitude to the family members of fallen War Heroes.

Colonel W.H.K.S Peiris, Centre Commandant at the GR Headquarters warmly received the visiting Colonel of the Regiment, GR, Major General Shavendra Silva on arrival at the venue on Friday (13) where the first segment of the programme took place.

With the commencement of the agenda, Major General Silva with senior Officers took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at the foot of the aesthetically crafted Gajaba Regiment monument.

A two-minute silence in memory of all War Heroes who made the supreme sacrifice in defence of the motherland, was then observed before religious observances of all denominations, got underway in the monument premises.

Immediately after the Colonel of the Regiment, beloved next of kin of 238 family members of fallen War Heroes paid their respect to the memory of their beloved ones while fond memories were being recalled by those relatives of fallen War Heroes. They all knelt down at the foot of the monument and went on shedding tears with their hands clasped together. The solemn moment of memory, replete with emotions, added special significance to the arrangements.

Next, sounded the Last Post honouring their memory in military way. Trumpeters of Gajaba Regiment joined together to play the melody as dusk was falling. The reveille sounded next, bringing the culmination of the formal ceremony, followed by recital of the National anthem.

Meanwhile, a Guard Turnout and parade in accordance with military traditions awarded a salute to the Colonel of the Regiment on Saturday (14) as the second leg of the second day ceremony. The parade was comprised of 24 platoons including 28 officers and 746 other rankers, who paid their respect to the memory of fallen War Heroes.

The Saturday’s commemorative ceremony reached its end with an all rank lunch in the premises. Parents, spouses, next of kin and several retired senior GR Officers and Other Rankers together with the visiting Colonel of the Regiment shared a sumptuous lunch treat.

Gajaba Regiment, raised under the leadership of then Lieutenant Colonel Wijeya Wimalaratne on 14 October 1983 merging the 1 Battalion of Rajarata Rifles and Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment.