Inter Regiment Drill &;amp; Band Competition Held on Grand Scale

Sri Lanka Army’s one of the most colourful routine spectacles of the year, the final award of trophies to the winners and participants of the Inter Regiment Drill and Band competition, got underway at Panagoda Sri Lanka Light Infantry (SLLI) regiment ground on Monday (30) evening amid a large gathering, headed by Lieutenant General Daya Ratnayake, Commander of the Army as the Chief Guest.

The colourful Drill Display that testifies to the high standards of discipline among members of the Army, took center stage of the programme as the first item on the day’s agenda.

In the Inter Regiment Drill competition, the Sri Lanka Armoured Corps (SLAC) was adjudged the 1st and the Best. 2nd and 3rd places were won by Sri Lanka Engineers (SLE) and Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment (VIR) teams respectively.

Afterwards, adding rhythmic and soothing melodies to the occasion, preceded by the Best three teams of the Army Band, all other the band groups, attired in multi-coloured dresses, followed and showcased their Band playing talents, amidst loud cheering.

The 1st place in the Band competition was won by Sri Lanka Signal Corps (SLSC) while the 2nd and 3rd places were respectively secured by Sri Lanka Army Service Corps (SLASC) and Sri Lanka Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (SLEME) players.

In the Women’s sector, competed by three separate Sri Lanka Army Women’s Corps teams, Team No 1 emerged winners in Drills.       

Combined and separate displays and demonstrations by teams of Sri Lanka Army Women’s Corps, Sri Lanka Corps of Military Police and Sri Lanka Light Infantry, added special colour to the event.   

The climax of the day’s events was the presentation of trophies, medals and certificates to the Best teams, Best platoon leaders, both men and women in respective drill platoons and leaders in the Best Band display teams.

Warrant Officer-II A. Udawatta of Sri Lanka Signal Corps clinched the first place in the Best Band Player while 2/Lieutenant H.A.D Ruwanmali of Sri Lanka Army Women’s Corps was selected as the Best Squadron Commander (women's). Lieutenant E.L.P Edirisinghe of Sri Lanka Armoured Corps, became the Best Squadron Commander (men's). Captain P.S Widanagamage of Commando Regiment and Captain M.A.D.P Silva of Sri Lanka Signal Corps received trophies and awards as the 2nd and 3rd Best Commanders, respectively.

The Chief Guest gave away those awards to major winners in the competitions and congratulated each and every one of them.

In a brief address to the occasion after award of trophies, the Commander of the Army, Lieutenant General Daya Ratnayake, extended his praise and appreciation to all members of the Bands and Drill display teams of very high standards and also to those who organized the entire event.