Infantrymen of the Sri Lanka Army’s Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment (VIR), who played a commendable role behind elimination of ruthless terrorism from the Mother, Lanka a few years ago, were overjoyed to see that their Regimental Headquarters at Boyagane, Kurunegala, emerge a fully-fledged complex with all new amenities on hand, beginning Thursday (14).
The ceremonial opening of ‘The Salute’, the two-storied multi-functional construction, comprised of 10 super luxury rooms, a reception hall with seating capacity for 450, a modern state-of-the-art film theater plus a few more new units and the newly constructed, Gymnasium, Sports Complex and the new Tennis Court, took place during a well-attended ceremony, headed by Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya, Commander of the Army who graced the occasion as the Chief Guest at the invitation of Major General R.V Samarathunga, Colonel of the Regiment.
‘The Salute’, erected by VIR troops themselves in consultation with RN Construction Company Ltd, cost about Rs 102 million to the VIR Regimental Headquarters and facilitates the conduct of wedding ceremonies, conferences, receptions and private parties of all ranks at affordable price, which remained hitherto a widely-felt need among all the soldiers.
Lying against a beautiful panoramic view, the new building with 10 deluxe rooms and VIP suites provides accommodation to all ranks and houses a film theater too, a feature that would bring entertainment during evenings.
The Army Chief’s opening of the new Gymnasium plus the sports complex which provides space for Archery practicing, particularly for many disable VIR War Heroes, assumed equal significance and enthusiasm on the day as disable War Heroes, most of them on wheelchairs, demonstrated their skills in front of their Commander who attentively watched the playing of the game. VIR troops, who have been displaying an exceptional knack for archery right throughout, have to their credit, earned many laurels for their supremacy in Archery in the recent past, a typical achievement, symbolic of the insignia of the VIR, ‘Bow and the Arrow’.
The new Tennis yard with two separate courts in the Headquarters also saw its inaugural opening at the same occasion with an exhibition match, played by both officers and other ranks alike.
Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya amidst blessings of Seth Pirith and traditional house-warming rites and rituals, cut a symbolic ribbon, and entered the new building, ‘The Salute’, together with Major General R.V. Samarathunga and senior officers after lighting the traditional oil lamp. The Chief Guest took a special interest and had a close look at all the wings in the new construction afterwards while sharing his views with those in attendance on the mammoth project.
A Guard Turnout plus a Guard of Honour at the VIR Regimental Headquarters premises in conformity with military formalities, greeted the Chief Guest on arrival after he was received by Colonel of the Regiment at the main entrance.
Before the end of the day’s itinerary at Boyagane, the Commander during refreshments, took time off to speak freely to a cross section of soldiers who were associated with the day’s opening.
The ceremonial opening of ‘The Salute’, the two-storied multi-functional construction, comprised of 10 super luxury rooms, a reception hall with seating capacity for 450, a modern state-of-the-art film theater plus a few more new units and the newly constructed, Gymnasium, Sports Complex and the new Tennis Court, took place during a well-attended ceremony, headed by Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya, Commander of the Army who graced the occasion as the Chief Guest at the invitation of Major General R.V Samarathunga, Colonel of the Regiment.
‘The Salute’, erected by VIR troops themselves in consultation with RN Construction Company Ltd, cost about Rs 102 million to the VIR Regimental Headquarters and facilitates the conduct of wedding ceremonies, conferences, receptions and private parties of all ranks at affordable price, which remained hitherto a widely-felt need among all the soldiers.
Lying against a beautiful panoramic view, the new building with 10 deluxe rooms and VIP suites provides accommodation to all ranks and houses a film theater too, a feature that would bring entertainment during evenings.
The Army Chief’s opening of the new Gymnasium plus the sports complex which provides space for Archery practicing, particularly for many disable VIR War Heroes, assumed equal significance and enthusiasm on the day as disable War Heroes, most of them on wheelchairs, demonstrated their skills in front of their Commander who attentively watched the playing of the game. VIR troops, who have been displaying an exceptional knack for archery right throughout, have to their credit, earned many laurels for their supremacy in Archery in the recent past, a typical achievement, symbolic of the insignia of the VIR, ‘Bow and the Arrow’.
The new Tennis yard with two separate courts in the Headquarters also saw its inaugural opening at the same occasion with an exhibition match, played by both officers and other ranks alike.
Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya amidst blessings of Seth Pirith and traditional house-warming rites and rituals, cut a symbolic ribbon, and entered the new building, ‘The Salute’, together with Major General R.V. Samarathunga and senior officers after lighting the traditional oil lamp. The Chief Guest took a special interest and had a close look at all the wings in the new construction afterwards while sharing his views with those in attendance on the mammoth project.
A Guard Turnout plus a Guard of Honour at the VIR Regimental Headquarters premises in conformity with military formalities, greeted the Chief Guest on arrival after he was received by Colonel of the Regiment at the main entrance.
Before the end of the day’s itinerary at Boyagane, the Commander during refreshments, took time off to speak freely to a cross section of soldiers who were associated with the day’s opening.
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