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Sri Lanka Army

Defender of the Nation

Army 'Searchlight Tattoo' Rehearsals Now On at Anuradhapura

The countdown to Anuradhapura’s most thrilling spectacle, ‘Searchlight Tattoo’ of the Army, the forerunner to the Army’s 62rd anniversary celebrations has begun with rehearsals, now on at the Anuradhapura Public Ground.  

The Army ‘Searchlight Tattoo’ that highlights heroism, gallantry, acrobatics and an assortment of undisputed skills of the Army, including simulation attacks and rescue of hostages, free fall parachute jumps, dog shows, demonstration of constructing the Bailey bridge, assembling of the artillery guns and jeeps, stunt riding displays, display of talents of disable War Heroes, Ranabera and Bugle displays, multi media shows of humanitarian operations, physical training displays, fire work displays, model attacks on enemy strongholds, drill displays, etc will be held from August 19 - 21 beginning at 5.30 p.m on all three days.

This mega spectacle at provincial level offers the public in the North Central Province a good broad view of the country’s largest military show that showcases multiplicity of different multitasking nature of the Army at one specific venue as defenders of the nation.  

Parachute jumping of Army Commandos and Special Forces during the three-day ‘Searchlight Tattoo’ at Anuradhapura comprises parachutists who represented Sri Lanka in several international competitions and championship tournaments. Recently Army parachutists entered the finals in “accuracy landing” category during the World Championship Tournament for Parachutists, held in China. To this date, the Army has trained more than 2000 parachutists, belonging to tri-services.

Model simulation attacks and civilian rescue operations during the final battles that brought the 30-year long war to a successful completion, and enacting of an offensive, meant to rescue soldiers from the enemy are expected to draw the exceptional attention of the spectators at Anuradhapura.

Thrilling feats of the dogs who have been trained to sniff explosives, conduct guard duties and do chasing, will add special interest and excitement to the day’s agenda. Assembling of jeeps and cars, artillery guns and construction of bridges in record time, in addition to motor cycling feats, drill displays, musical bands and fire works, have also been scheduled for the mega show. A specially produced TV documentary will feature the evolution of the Army and its achievements in the past 62 years.   

Special transport services have been organized in connection with the ‘Searchlight Tattoo’ and entry tickets are available at main entrances to the ground.