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Sri Lanka Army

Defender of the Nation

Vibrant 'Colours Night' Recognizes Sportsmen in SLLI Regiment


Sri Lanka Light Infantry (SLLI) Regiment, the oldest Regiment in the Army which also has hitherto, rendered a unique contribution towards defence of the motherland since its inception in 1881, had its ‘Colours Night’ on Thursday (4) evening at Colombo Bishop’s College auditorium during a glittering ceremony.
 
Out of 137 SLLI recipients of Colours for their achievements in sports, 80 SLLI sportsmen became eligible to receive prestigious Army Colours during the  same ceremony, which saw 4 SLLI Battalion was adjudged the Best One.
 
With Lieutenant General Daya Ratnayake, Commander of the Army as the Chief Guest, accompanied by Mrs Damayanthi Ratnayake, President, Army Seva Vanitha Unit, the colourful event began soon after the welcome speech, delivered by Colonel of the SLLI Regiment, Major General K.A.D.A Karunasekera.
 
The two-minute silence, as is the practice, revered the memories of fallen (SLLI) War Heroes, who made the supreme sacrifice while defending the country. The (SLLI), Regimental song afterwards, reverberated saluting the Regiment as a token of respect.
 
Afterwards, amidst patriotic melodies, Corporal S.D Madurawe, the Best Disable Sportsman - 2014 as well as 2 Lieutenant, R.P.W.L Dayarathna, the Best Sportsman – 2014, received colours from the Chief Guest, Lieutenant General Daya Ratnayake as the audience burst into a round of applause.
 
Several eye-catching musical and cultural spectacles that were choreographed by famed artistes intermittently held the spectators spellbound as the day’s agenda unfolded one after the other, late into the evening.
 
The grand presentation reached its climax as the Chief Guest entered the stage to make the final segment of the presentation of Colours to the best of the SLLI. Lieutenant General Daya Ratnayake congratulated all 80 who received Army Colours from him in the grand ceremony and finally awarded the special trophy to the Best Battalion, 4 SLLI.
 
Major General Prasad Samarasinghe, Chief of Staff, Major General E.M.M Ambanpola, Deputy Chief of Staff and a host of senior officers attended the occasion.