Sri Lanka Light Infantry (SLLI) Regiment, the oldest Regiment in the Sri Lanka Army which has hitherto produced the most number of Army Commanders, bade farewell to one of its most illustrious military icons that has made the SLLI and the country proud by serving the Army for 36 years unhindered and unblemished during a fitting military ceremony on Friday (27) morning at the SLLI Headquarters, Panagoda.
General Daya Ratnayake, the former Commander of the Army who relinquished duties, just a few days ago and retired from the service, having reached the apex of the military career as a distinguished and battle-hardened officer par excellence on arrival at the SLLI Parade Ground, reviewed the Guard Turn Out and was afterwards greeted by Brigadier C.T Weerasooriya, SLLI Centre Commandant and ushered to be welcomed by Major General K.A.D Amal Karunasekara, Colonel of the Regiment who subsequently accompanied him to the special dais to receive the salute of the Guard of Honour, presented by SLLI troops and the Regimental mascot, ‘Kandula 8th’, a pet whom he loved most.
The string of melodies that reverberated as he marched past taking the salute, together with the Parade Commander, Captain H.R.K Perera, added sentimental and patriotic value to the occasion, reminiscent of his dedication and commitment to the cause during the military career of exemplary nature.
SLLI troops and Regimental Headquarters surroundings that were so dear and near to his heart afterwards, formed up at the parade ground to listen to their colossus who was also the former Colonel of the Regiment and someone who rendered an unmatched service to the Regiment all those years.
In a moving farewell address, he outlined how he strived for the betterment of the SLLI and its infantrymen who have done exceptionally well in the battlefield and elsewhere. Profusely thanking each and everyone for all the courage and support given to him right throughout, General Ratnayake (retd) assured his continued fullest cooperation and guidance for completion of remaining tasks in the SLLI Regimental Headquarters.
Memories were afterwards made eternal after the day’s Chief Guest, posing for a group photograph with all those who were present at the farewell parade. Reminding all of them the unwavering importance of the much-revered SLLI motto, ‘I Serve’ (Ich Dien), General Ratnayake (retd) shook hands with all officers and other rankers before his departure from the Regimental Headquarters premises which remained his second home for well over 36 years.
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