Enabling the Commander of the Army, Lieutenant General Daya Ratnayake to bring back lots of undying school day memories, past and current students of the Commander’s alma mater, Kurunegala Maliyadeva College and other primary schools on Friday (8) gave rousing receptions to him after holding separate ceremonies in respective school premises.
The Kurunegala Maliyadeva College ceremony, organized jointly by the Principal, tutorial staff and students in collaboration with Maliyadeva Old Boys’ Association, had its ceremonious receptions with the College’s old boy, Lieutenant General Ratnayake who recently took up the reins of office as 20th Commander of the Army as the Chief Guest.
Refreshing old memories of his days as a College cadet, the Commander on arrival at the College premises was saluted in a Guard Turn Out, presented by College cadets. Planting of a tree sapling in the College premises afterwards added special monumental significance to the occasion since he joins history as the first Commander of the Army, hitherto produced by the Maliyadeva College, Kurunegala.
Formalities such as religious observances, one-minute silence in honour of fallen War Heroes, recital of national anthem, welcome speech, Pooja dance, followed a welcome speech, plus the brief address of the College’s Head Prefect where he reminisced the Commander’s commitment and dedication to the improvement of College Cadet Corps as a past cadet of the College.
The floor afterwards accommodated felicitating remarks of the Chairman, Maliyadeva Old Boys’ Association where he paid a glittering tribute to the Commander of the Army for his achievements in the military career, including his role for liberation of the country from terrorism, field of sports and athletics and his special service to the College as a past pupil.
Soon after a lengthy introductory account that spoke of the Commander’s illustrious career as a Maliyadevan, Lieutenant General Ratnayake was invited to address the gathering afterwards. In his tribute to the College, the Commander recalled his school days as a budding pupil.
‘It was the Maliyadeva College which laid the foundation for my military career and led to the achievements in the fight against terrorism. The College provided me the vision and the guidance to shine as I marched forward, for which I am indebted for the rest of my life,’ he added.
Prior to Maliyadeva College reception, both Siyambalagamuwa Primary School, Kurunegala as well as Udabadalawa Sudarshana Maha Vidyalaya where the Commander received his primary education from Grade 1 - 8, organized two separate receptions to felicitate their old boy who brought credit to the schools where he learnt.
Elaborate ceremonies that took place in both these schools were addressed by respective principals and education authorities. At Siyambalagamuwa Primary School, the Commander gave gift parcels to six students who excelled in Grade 5 scholarship examination.
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