14th October 2022 07:34:58 Hours
The all-night 'Pirith' chanting and offer of alms, the forerunner to the 39th anniversary commemoration of the Gajaba Regiment (GR) aka the GR Regimental Day which falls on 14 October got underway at the 'Home of Gajaba' Regimental Centre at Saliyapura during 12-13 October with the participation of Mrs Manel Mangalika Wimalarathna, the spouse of founding father of the Gajaba Regiment, Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage, Commander of the Army, Mrs Janaki Liyanage, President, Army Seva Vanitha Unit, family members of fallen and injured GR War Heroes, veterans, Senior Officers, Other Ranks and a representative gathering of invitees.
A colourul procession, rich with traditional dancers, together with the sacred relic casket (Karanduwa) and the book of old scriptures (Pirivana Potha) conducted venerable members of the Maha Sangha to the octagon (Pirith Mandapaya) where chanting took place after a customary oration (Anushasana) was delivered by the senior Buddhist monk in the group who immensely praised the vital role played by the Colonel of the Regiment of GR as the Commander of Army in this critical period in the nation's history. The venerable members of Maha Sangha also invoked blessing to all fallen and wounded war heroes of the Gajaba Regiment while blessing the Regiment for its future prospects. A large gathering of Senior Officers, including Security Force Commanders, General Officers Commanding, Brigade Commanders, GR Centre Commandant, Officers and Other Ranks were associated with the 'Pirith' chanting ceremony.
The following morning (13) saw more than 25 Buddhist monks, including those who participated in the overnight chanting arriving at the venue for alms-giving. Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage, Commander of the Army and Colonel of the Regiment, GR after offering 'Buddha Pooja' joined the offer of alms to members of the Maha Sangha, together with Mrs Janaki Liyanage and others. He also carried the relic casket to be placed at the venue before religious rites and rituals got underway.
Gajaba Regiment which has actively contributed to all major military operations conducted against separatist terrorism since its birth until the culmination of the humanitarian operations in May 2009 has selflessly sacrificed for the defence of the country. 175 heroic Officers and 4075 brave Other Ranks of the GR in order to make a better tomorrow for us have made the supreme sacrifice while 180 Officers and 4030 Other Ranks sustained permanent injuries.
Since 2009, all Battalions of the Regiment are carrying out diverse military operations and nation building tasks with their inherent audacity and dedication.
