SRI LANKA Army, the renowned “Defenders of the Nation” which has triumphantly accomplished a record multiplicity of tasks in its sixty years of survival as a distinguished and admirable force to reckon with, marked its 60th Anniversary cum Army Day (Oct 10th) today during a colourful parade and other important features.
Commemoration of the Diamond Jubilee of the Army, an anniversary made exceptionally significant comes in the wake of an unparalleled period of our history that saw elimination of the most ruthless terror outfit which caused irreparable losses, mayhem and carnage during the past thirty years of our contemporary times.
Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya, the 19th Commander of the Army, who also selflessly contributed to the successful completion of the humanitarian operations in his capacity as Wanni Security Forces Commander, graced the nadir of commemorative military events at Army Headquarters that included a Guard of Honour for Commander, Commander’s Army Day Address, issue of the first-day stamp cover and the Rs. 1000/= worth commemorative coin, Commander’s Hospital visit and opening of a new hospital wing, offer of gift parcels to recuperating War Heroes, Pirith Chanting ceremony at Panagoda, etc.
The stage was set for the Army Day at Army Headquarters grounds as troops representing all Regiments of the Army took position and lined up to accord the ceremonial Guard of Honour to the Commander amidst fluttering Army Regimental Flags and the rhythms of patriotic songs in the background. On arrival at the premises, Lieutenant General Jayasuriya was received and conducted to inspect the Guard Turn-Out.
Commander hoisted the Army Flag to the tunes of auspicious drums (Magul Bera) and officially declared the onset of the day’s agenda. Seconds after the flag hoisting, the Army Song, “Sagarayen wata-me mage mau rata….Rakimu sada” sung by all those present rent the air adding grandeur and pride to the occasion.
Next the troops accorded the Guard of Honour in conformity with military traditions to the Commander who took their salute. The Commander reciprocated and continued with the rest of the day’s programme.
The next moment was solemn and dignified. A two-minute silence was then observed in memory of the fallen War Heroes and others who went missing in action, during their sacred mission of defending the Motherland.
The much-awaited moment of significance on the agenda followed next as the Commander rose to his feet to deliver his customary address to the troops, in which he called upon all Army personnel to maintain the highest standards of professionalism and discipline in the future while working for the development of the country. (See the Commander’s speech separately on this page).
Afterwards, the Commander met a cross section of the invitees as well as the Other Ranks during refreshments after the day’s main ceremony was over.
A representative gathering of past Commanders, retired senior officers and their spouses, principal staff officers, senior officers and other ranks took part in the ceremony.
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