News Archive

Religious Observances Spearhead Army 60th Anniversary, Its Mega Exhibition & Tattoo

THE SERIES of celebratory events, designed to coincide with Army’s 60th Anniversary under the theme “Victory through Commitment, Dedication, Sacrifice and Professionalism” gets underway from today (2) with commencement of the customary flag blessing ceremony at Anuradhapura Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi precincts. Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya gracing the occasion as Chief Guest will join the representative gathering of officers and other ranks from all Regiments for the symbolic Flag Blessing rituals at the upper layer (Udamaluwa) at the sacred premises.
Personal Rivalry Leads to Explosion

KURUNEGALA: AN explosion was reported from UDAWALPOLA area in KURUNEGALA this morning around 6.45 a.m. According to available information, the explosion has occurred inside a vehicle transporting students to schools in KURINEGALA town. At least twelve students, eight girls and four boys have sustained minor injuries in the incident that took place closer to NISSANKA Vidyalaya on UDAWALPOLA road. The explosion inside the vehicle occurred as it was getting ready to move.
LTTE Claymore & Forty APMs Found

NORTH: TROOPS conducting search and clear operations in the general areas of ADAMPAN, PULIYANKULAM, WADDINOORKULAM, VELLAMULLIVAIKKAL, AMPALAVANPOKKANAI, PUTHUKKUDDIYIRIPPU, UDAYARKATTUKULAM and KANDAYORANMADU recovered one hundred and forty-eight Anti Personnel Mines (APM), five chargers, five Bangalore torpedoes, one satellite phone, eighty-six bombs, two hundred and four hand grenades, twenty-four claymore mines, eleven T-56 weapons, eight 60 mm mortar bombs, four Rocket Propelled Grenades (RPG), two LTTE jackets, fifteen T-56 magazines, one T-81 magazine, one shotgun, nine hundred rounds of P-52 ammunition, ten 81 mm mortar bombs and two 120 m mortar bombs on Thursday (01).
Army Discharges 20,597 Deserters

THERE are 20,597 deserters in the Army and we are pleased to inform that they have all now reported back for discharge, Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara, Military Spokesmen said. The de-listing process of deserters in the Armed Forces has almost reached completion, the spokesman for the Armed Forces told the Daily Mirror yesterday. Army Spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara said yesterday that the de-listing process which began in May was completed on September 30. Navy acting spokesman, Captain Athula Senaratne said yesterday that the application for the de-listing process in the Navy began from August 10 to September 10.
Army Commander Donates Rs 1 m to Sri Maha Bodhi During Inaugural Religious Observances

THE ANNUAL ARMY FLAG BLESSING religious ceremony, the precursor to the forthcoming Army Day and Army 60th Anniversary celebrations got underway this morning (2) at the most sacred Anuradhapura Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi precincts, headed by Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya, Commander of the Army. As is the practice every year, Army Flags representing the Army Headquarters, Volunteer Force Headquarters, Security Forces Headquarters, Forward Maintenance Areas, Divisions, Task Forces, Area Headquarters, Sub-Area Headquarters, Brigades, Regiments, Units, Army Training schools, were symbolically blessed by members of the Maha Sangha, led by Ven. Pallegama Sirinivasabhidana Nayaka Thero, Atamasthanadhipathi and Chief Sangha Nayake for North Central Province during a colourful spectacular.
Special Traffic Plan for Army 60th Anniversary Exhibition

SEVERAL roads in Colombo will remain closed during the Army 60th anniversary exhibition at the BMICH from 3rd to 7th October. Baudhaloka Mawatha, Gregory Avenue, Wijerama Mawatha, Maitland place, Malasekara Mawatha, Bullers lane, Coniston place and Sarana road will be closed for traffic. Police announced that following alternative roads can be used for transport requirements. From Bauddhaloka Mawatha to Fort and Borella Jawatta road, Stanley Wijesundera Mawatha, Reid Avenue, Cumaratunga Munidasa Mawatha, Albert crescent and Anada Kumaraswami Mawatha
Army 60th Anniversary Exhibition Begins Today

THE mega Army Exhibition, organized as part of the Army’s 60th Anniversary celebrations begins this morning (3) after a colourful ceremony at Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) premises in the presence of a distinguished gathering of invitees, including His Excellency the President Mahinda Rajapakse, Secretary Defence Dr. Gotabhaya Rajapakse, Chief of Defence Staff General Sarath Fonseka and Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya.
President Opens Army 60th Anniversary Mega Exhibition

THE YEAR’S much-expected stunning spectacular, Sri Lanka Army’s 60th Anniversary Exhibition, a major feat of the celebratory events was declared open by His Excellency, the President Mahinda Rajapaksa this morning (3) during a colourful ceremony at BMICH premises. President Rajapaksa who is also the Commander-in Chief of the Tri-services graced the occasion as Chief Guest. He was warmly received at the premises on arrival by Secretary Defence Dr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Sarath Fonseka, and Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya. Commanders of Navy and Air Force, the Inspector General of Police and a host of other senior Army officers were also associated with the inaugural opening.
President Chides, Forces Out to Tarnish Image of Army

PRESIDENT Mahinda Rajapaksa chided the local and international forces that try to bring Sri Lankan soldiers before an international war crimes tribunal, at yesterday’s ceremony to mark the 60th anniversary of the Sri Lanka Army. He added that such cowards will not win the hearts and minds of the general public. “The Sri Lankan soldier did his best to minimise civilian casualties and acted with great discipline absent in many Armies around the world. And the local and international forces that try to tarnish their image will not succeed and neither will they win the hearts and minds of the Sri Lankans,” he said.
Accidental Explosion in Kilinochchi

KILINOCHCHI: A container laden with stocks of explosives captured from LTTE during humanitarian operations exploded accidentally this morning (04) in the general area of KILINOCHCHI. The explosion occurred when it was being stored temporarily inside a container at 58 Division Headquarters, MULLAITTIVU. However, no casualties or damages were reported in the incident.