Indian Army Chief Adds Historic Memories to the School of Signals

The Sri Lanka Army School of Signals (SLASS), situated in the hill capital of Kandy, Boowelikada on Tuesday (15) turned a new chapter in its famed history by having been able to invite the visiting Chief of Army Staff of the Indian Army, General Bipin Rawat for the historic inauguration of its state-of-the art new Communication Technology Training Laboratory (CTTL) in the school premises.

Colonel Commandant of the Sri Lanka Signal Corps (SLSC), Major General Ajith Wijesinghe, the heavy-weight behind the fruition of this new laboratory project extended a cordial welcome to the Indian Army Chief on arrival in the company of Major General Rukmal Dias, Commander, Security Forces - Central and a few Senior Officers after he was greeted to a drive-past Guard Turnout at the main entrance to the SLASS. Major General Nilantha Hettiarachchi, Chief Signal Officer and Colonel Ravi Herath, overlooking Commandant at SLASS were also there in attendance at the occasion.

At the helipad, Major General Rukmal Dias, Commander, Security Forces - Central received the visitor before he was conducted to the school premises.

Then, the Officers serving the SLASS were introduced to the visiting Indian Army Chief before he was accompanied to the opening of the new Communication Technology Training Laboratory in a rhythmic procession, comprised of up country Ves dancers.

General Bipin Rawat afterwards in the midst of rhythmic beats of auspicious drums unveiled a plaque to declare the opening and went into the new laboratory after symbolically cutting a ribbon. He closely inspected signal equipment, IT facilities and other accessories that work in the laboratory. Instructors at the laboratory presented a briefing to the visiting Chief of Army Staff and explained the workings of the laboratory.

Major General Ajith Wijesinghe welcomed the visitor delivering a few words since his visit to the school serves a source of inspiration. The visiting Army Chief acknowledged the hospitality in the same spirits. Presentation of a souvenir of high value to the visitor marked the culmination of the day's event.

A few minutes later, all Officers and Other Ranks in the SLASS added undying memory to the occasion by sitting for a group photo with the day's distinguished guest in the premises. He also left his memories in the SLASS Visitors' Book penning a few comments of symbolic nature.

He was also humble enough to join a table of refreshments with Officers in the SLASS afterwards before he undertook the next assignment in the agenda.