Prize awarding ceremony of the year's colourful Inter-Regiment Drill Competition, took place at Sri Lanka Engineers Regiment Headquarters, Panagoda Tuesday (23) morning where Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya graced as the Chief Guest.
The day’s proceedings started with the Army Song soon after the arrival of the day’s Chief Guest.
Display of Drills by the Best eight Regiments and the Best Women’s Team that symbolized the high standards of discipline among members of the Army followed afterwards as the crowd burst into cheering.
The subsequent Band Display by the Best three regiments and the Army Band, adding rhythmic beats to the occasion in their multi-coloured military attires as the next item on the agenda, signalled the beginning of the day’s much-awaited moment of pride.
Soon after they showcased their skills, their Regimental Commanders separately congratulated respective platoons of Drill and Bands on their impressive achievements and gave away symbolic medals and certificates.
The climax of the day's events was the presentation of trophies to the Best Platoon leaders, both men and women in respective Drill platoons.
Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya, the Chief Guest on the occasion was then invited to give away medals in appreciation of their contribution to the whole event. The Commander congratulating each and every one of those threw their weight behind the event afterwards presented the symbolic flag pole to the Best Commanders in the platoons.
In the Inter Regiment Drill Competition, the Sri Lanka Engineers Regiment (SLE) emerged the Best Platoon and both Sri Lanka Armoured Corps (SLAC) and Sri Lanka National Guard (SLNG) secured first and second runners-up slots.
In the women's sector, 3 Sri Lanka Army Women's Corps platoon secured the overall Championship.
Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya at the end of the ceremony addressed the participants after all the awards were given away to Best Platoon Commanders.
In his speech, the Commander said that drills as an integral component that contributes to the making of a disciplined Army is needed by each and every member in the Army.
"I am happy to tell you that physical training sphere in the Army has received a boost with Army drill instructors, getting slots in UK-based military physical training institutes. So are new training opportunities now available in Pakistan Army for drill instructors. These opportunities would open new vistas for Army physical training fields which would in turn infuse high standards of discipline. I expect these trained instructors who have a greater responsibility in moulding these soldiers would act accordingly and elevate the standards further," the Commander added.
By conducting these types of competitions, you are awarded opportunities for development of your ability to identify challenges, overcome challenges and promotion of co-existence, friendship, togetherness, unity and mutual understanding among one another. I am happy to note that you during your display today showed all those characteristics.
As guardians of the nation, the Commander added, that all members should maintain high standards in their physical and mental fitness, coupled with high level of discipline. ‘Drill is one major way of inculcating all those qualities in you. If you become a veteran in drills, it will also help groom qualities of a soldier in you’ he said.
The Army Chief extended his praise and respect to all members of the Bands and drill display teams of very high standards and also to those who organized the entire event.
He also thanked Commanding Officers, Other Officers, Senior Non-commissioned Officers, Non-commissioned Officers and Other Ranks for the exemplary contribution, made by everyone in the Army to make today's display a big success.
Before the end of the day’s ceremony, the Commander took time off to speak to the Army’s dog trainer, Sapper D.K.N Rohan who had won a US medal from the Marshall Legacy Institute, engaged in de-mining work in Sri Lanka. (See separate story in News Highlights)
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