09th May 2016 22:08:21 Hours
4 Sri Lanka Light Infantry (SLLI) Battalion of the Army which boasts an eventful life-story spanning 29 years on Saturday (7) during a special ceremony, held at SLLI Headquarters, Panagoda, immortalized its documented history by releasing the volume, ‘Battalion History of the 4 SLLI’.
The new volume during the ceremony was presented to the Chief Guest, Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka who had served as the Battalion’s second Commanding Officer in its formative stages many years ago.
The day’s agenda got off the ground after a Guard of Honour in accordance with military traditions greeted Major General Amal Karunasekara, Colonel of the Regiment, SLLI on arrival at the premises.
A few minutes later, the ceremony for launch of the history book got underway after lighting of the traditional oil lamp and observance of a two-minute silence in honour of all fallen 4 SLLI War Heroes.
Lieutenant Colonel J.K.R.P Jayasinghe, delivered the welcome speech and facilitated the peak of the ceremony, presentation of the book to the day’s Chief Guest.
Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka after accepting the first copy of the history book recalled his memories as a former Commanding Officer in the 4 SLLI in his brief address and called upon all ranks in service to perform better for the greater benefit of the country.
A message of greetings, sent by the first Commanding Officer, 4 SLLI was also read out on the occasion after a video documentary that elaborated on the 4 SLLI life cycle was screened before the gathering.
With the vote of thanks, raised by Major General Amal Karunasekara, Colonel of the Regiment, SLLI the ceremony came to an end.
Retired senior officers, serving senior officers, retired Non Commissioned Officers and other rankers and a gathering of invitees attended the book launch.
