THE Sri Lanka Light Infantry (SLLI) Regiment who were always in the forefront in times of war and peace in Sri Lanka for the last 30 years marked its 20th anniversary in Panagoda on 18th December 2009 evening at its Regimental Centre, Army cantonment in Panagoda its entry into the Panagoda Cantonement completed 20 years.
The Chief Guest for the occasion was Mr. Lalith Weeratunga, the Secretary to HE the President. He was received on arrival by the Colonel of the Regiment, Sri Lanka Light Infantry Major General Daya Rathnayake. Then the Chief Guest was taken to the place where the SLLI war memorial was scheduled to come up and there he laid the foundation stone for the construction of the war memorial. After the foundation stone laying, the 20th anniversary celebrations began with the lighting of the traditional oil lamp by Mr Lalith Weeratunga, the Secretary to HE the President, Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya, Colonel of the Regiment SLLI Major General Daya Rathnayake and a few others. They symbolically represented War Heroes who sacrificed their lives, disabled officers and soldiers, retired SLLI servicemen and other serving officers serving soldiers.
The Regimental parade ground, the most sacred place to produce disciplined officers and soldiers to the regiment was used as the theatre for remaining events of the day. This was significant as the Colonel of the Regiment Major General Daya Ratnayake himself wanted to pay his gratitude to family members of those fallen war heroes, disabled officers and soldiers, ex-servicemen belonging to Sri Lanka Light Infantry at the most appropriate venue they deserve.
Thereafter, the regimental anthem was sung and a two-minute silence was observed to remember fallen War Heroes before screening a short TV documentary paying gratitude to fallen War Heroes. At the end of the short film on two mega TV screens placed on either side of the main stage, there was a token distribution of certificates to next of kin of War Heroes honouring act of bravery of their much-loved sons, fathers or brothers who are no more.
Certificates were also awarded to disabled officers and soldiers, ex-servicemen by the Chief Guest Mr. Lalith Weeratunge and Colonel of the Regiment Major General Daya Ratnayake on the occasion. A few more short films were also screened to pay tribute to those disabled officers, soldiers and ex-servicemen and Seva Vanitha Unit of Sri Lanka light infantry who strive to serve the the cause of soldiers’ welfare.
Launching of Sri Lanka Light Infantry regimental website (www.slli.lk) by the Chief Guest also marked a historical occasion.Addressing the gathering Chief Guest Mr Lalith Weeratunge specially commended the contribution made by valiant officers and soldiers of Sri Lanka Light Infantry in safeguarding the motherland during humanitarian operations and wished all the success to each and every member of Sri Lanka Light Infantry for their future endeavors to save national interests.
Former Army Commander Lieutenant General Sahantha Kottegoda, Retired senior officers, non commissioned officers of Sri Lanka Light Infantry and their family members were also present on the occasion.
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