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Sri Lanka Army

Defender of the Nation

22nd January 2023 15:10:51 Hours

Commander's Alma Mater in Matale Extends Warm Reception & Felicitates Army Chief

Enabling the Commander of the Army, Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage to bring back undying school day memories and milestones during his schooling, Matale Vijaya College accorded a warm reception to the old Vijayan who had taken up the reins of office as the 24th Commander of the Army during a felicitation ceremony at the College premises on Thursday (19).

The ceremonious reception began after the College's Western Band saluted the day's protagonist, Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage, in a colourful Guard of Honour soon after his arrival at the premises where he was warmly received by the Principal, Mr Rajitha Theekshana, Teachers, Vijayans and representatives of the Past Pupils' Association.

Next, he offered a tray of flowers to the Buddha shrine in the compound and afterwards reached the statue of Colonel Henry Steel Olcott, the founder of the oldest Buddhist College in the Matale District way back in 1886 and is famed as a Buddhist revivalist.

After a minute's silence in honour of fallen War Heroes of the college, former Principals, Teachers, all Vijayans and non-academic staff, the day's proceedings, coloured with cultural and aesthetic feats, proceeded soon after the traditional oil lamp was lit before the College song rent the air.

In a touching scenario of gratitude and respect, Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage as he entered the meeting venue saw the former principal, Mr Senarath B. Alagoda during his time among the invitees, and swiftly reached him and accompanied him to his seat holding his hands.

As an active sportsman, Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage during his schooling was a member of the Cadet Platoon and also performed as a Head Prefect while simultaneously being a member of the College Scout Group.

The Principal, Mr Rajitha Theekshana in his introductory welcome speech explained the objective of the felicitation ceremony and reputed reasons that attributed to the arrangement in view of the significance of Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage's newest office as an old Vijayan. The Zonal Education Director, Mrs I.R.W.K Jayasuriya addressing the gathering reminded the invaluable patriots who had been nurtured inside the college and dedicated for defence of the country. A retired teacher and an old Vijayan of the Past Pupils' Association too added their thoughts to the occasion before the day's Chief Guest rose to his feet.

Making a brief speech, the Army Chief recalled the nostalgic memories of his time at the College that went hand in hand with the cherished motto, "Appamatta Namiyanthi" (Those Not Late Would Never Die) and of the great services rendered by the College in providing an all-round education to the younger generation. He paid gratitude to the services and sacrifices made by the College-groomed War Heroes who laid their lives to usher in an era of peace in the country.

While recollecting the services of the teachers during his days at College who took pains to encourage their students to gain a proper education, coupled with extra and co-curricular activities, he said that such a complete education enabled the students to face challenges with confidence and succeed in every sphere of their lives. He also called upon the students of the College to serve the nation with commitment and loyalty and recalled great leadership qualities and the strength for life he mustered during his College days.

The Army Chief, touched and impressed with the warmth and affection shown during his stay in the College compound pledged further support to the growth of the College by offering a stock of sports equipment to the students, footwear to the Cadet Platoon, reading books to the library and a cash contribution towards the College fund. Further, the Army Chief took time to visit the school premises and recall the good times he had in the school while having a friendly chat with the students and teachers.

Meanwhile, the old Vijayan, Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage, who is now the Vice President of the Sri Lanka Scout Association, in another significant gesture, requested the Principal to revive the now defunct Boys’ Scout Group in the College again. To symbolize the move, the Commander of the Army presented the scouts’ flag to the Principal at the same occasion.

Showing his concern towards the well-being of students learning at present, the Army Chief on being informed of economic and housing difficulties faced by a family whose all four children are studying in the College, volunteered to provide technical expertise and resources for construction of a much-needed house for the family with Army assistance.

At the end of the ceremony, mementoes were also exchanged before the vote of thanks was raised by Mr Nawarathna Banda, Deputy Principal of the College.

Major General W.R.M.M Rathnayake RWP RSP USP ndu, Commander Security Forces - Central, Major General S.R.B Aluvihare, General Officer Commanding, 11 Infantry Division, Major General M.G.W.W.W.M.C.B Wickramasinghe RWP RSP ndu psc, Adjutant General, Mrs Janaki Liyanage, President, Army Seva Vanitha Unit, Past Pupils still serving and retired in the Tri-Services, Senior Officers, Officers, retired teachers and old pupils participated in the day's event.