COMMANDO Regiment (CR), one of the prestigious wings in the Army that records a series of unequalled gains in the battlefield as well as in all other spheres of military excellence saluted their fallen comrades in a befitting style Monday (15) evening at its Ganemulla Regimental Headquarters.
The day’s elaborate arrangements that also marked the Regiment's 30th Anniversary took place in two phases; (1) opening of CR War Hero Memorial and (2) Award of felicitation certificates to disable CR War Heroes (Ranaviru Upahara) and family members of fallen War Heroes. The occasion was graced by none other than Mr Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Secretary Defence and Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya, Commander of the Army and a host of other guests. Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya and Mrs Manjulika Jayasuriya greeted Mr Rajapaksa and Mrs Ioma Rajapaksa on arrival at the entrance to the Regimental Headquarters in the company of senior Army officers.
As dusk was enveloping Ganemulla, opening of the CR War Memorial, inscribed with names of all fallen CR War Heroes was the first on the agenda, as spouses, children and close relatives of fallen War Heroes, headed by religious dignitaries inched their way to the foot of the monument. It was a moment of dignified solemnity.
Mr Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Secretary Defence gracing the occasion as Chief Guest unveiled the monument on the invitation of Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya as everybody present stood on attention. Mr Rajapaksa laying a floral wreath afterwards at the foot of the new monument paid his tribute to the memory of the fallen. Seconds after that Mr Rajapaksa opened the plaque and the gathering afterwards observed a two- minute silence in honour of all fallen War Heroes. As clergy began religious observances, the citation that recollects memories of the fallen CR War Heroes was read out renting the air. Offer of floral tributes to their memory by all those present, including grieving spouses and relatives was a moving sight, as hundreds in tears lined up with flowers holding. Upon culmination of floral tributes, the blowing of bugles marked the completion of the first phase of the day’s programme.
Proceedings reached their apex as all the guests took seats in the main auditorium to receive special Tribute Certificates (Ranaviru Pranama Sahathika) on behalf of their beloved ones who sacrificed their lives or legs and limbs during fighting against LTTE separatists. During the first leg of the ceremony, CR War Heroes who became disable were hailed and presented with Ranaviru Pranama Sahathika to a hughe applause in recognition of their commitment, contribution and sacrifices. CR War Heroes who had retired after active service were also brought in for praise on the same occasion before close next of kin of all fallen War Heroes were awarded those Ranaviru certificates upon announcement of respective citations in their honour.
The ceremony at Ganemulla Regimental Headquarters was colourful and replete with a number of cultural and memorable spectacles of entertainment. Recital of the National Anthem culminated the day’s proceedings.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
