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Sri Lanka Army

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Nawalapitiya 'Army Searchlight Tattoo' Opened with Massive Crowds


The year’s second provincial ‘Searchlight Tattoo’ that showcases the exceptional assortment of exclusive skills of Army personnel was opened at Gampola - Nawalapitiya Jayathilake ground on Friday (29) afternoon by the Commander of the Army, Lieutenant General Daya Ratnayake.    

The mega Army ‘Searchlight Tattoo’, very much popular among youngsters in the country will continue for three days until Sunday (31), beginning at 2.00 p.m. on all three days.  

It expects to attract hundreds of Central Province youngsters and the general public, in addition to school students from the area. Entrance tickets are available at the gate.

On Thursday (28) a special rehearsing Tattoo was staged for the benefit of school students and children and relatives of fallen War Heroes free of charge on the directions of the Commander of the Army.   

The Army ‘Searchlight Tattoo’ generally highlights undisputed skills of Army personnel, including conduct of mock simulation attacks and rescue of hostages, Army ceremonial features, free fall parachute jumps, dog  shows, demonstration of the Bailey bridge construction, assembling of artillery guns and jeeps, stunt riding displays, talents of disable War Heroes, Ranabera and Bugle displays, physical training and fire work displays, drill displays, etc, perhaps never witnessed by those people thronging there.

On the directions of the Commander of the Army, Lieutenant General Daya Ratnayake, the spectacle was taken to Nawalapitiya in parallel with the state policy of taking all major events of importance to provincial levels whenever possible.

Sensational Parachute jumps of Army Commandos and Special Forces during the three-day spectacle are comprised of parachutists who represented Sri Lanka in several international competitions and championship tournaments. Recently, Army parachutists entered the finals in 'accuracy landing' category during the World Championship Tournament for Parachutists, held in China.

Large crowds are expected to witness the spectacle on all three days.   

Chief of Staff Major General Prasad Samarasinghe, together with a large gathering of senior officers, was present at the inaugural day of the Tattoo.

Hon. Minister of Sports Mr Mahindananda Aluthgamage is to open the second day of the Tattoo on Saturday (30).

On the final day (31), Mr Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Secretary Defence and Urban Development is to inaugurate the event at the invitation of Lieutenant General Daya Ratnayake, Commander of the Army.