THE COUNTDOWN to the final and most thrilling phase of the Army 60th Anniversary celebrations, the Army Tattoo (Oct 17-23) has begun as most of the enthusiasts intending to witness it are busy buying entrance tickets from the Cargills outlets.
This mega spectacle that highlights Army heroism, gallantry, acrobatics and an assortment of undisputed skills of the Army, including simulation attacks on Puthumattalan, model attacks on enemy stronghold, drill displays, etc will culminate the three-week long Army 60th Anniversary celebratory events that gave pride of place to religious observances early in October.
Parachute jumping presented by Army Commandos and Special Forces during the seven day Tattoo 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 Army Commandos Training Center has trained more than 2000 parachutists belonging to tri-services.
Model simulation attacks on Puthumattalan, the final battle ground that brought the 30-year long war to a successful completion and enacting of an offensive, meant to rescue soldiers from the enemy in the Tattoo are expected to draw the exceptional attention of the spectators during the event.
Thrilling feats of the dogs who have been trained to sniff explosives, conduct guard duties and do chasing will add special colour and excitement to the Army Tattoo. Assembling of jeeps, artillery guns and cars 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 60 years.
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