GR Troops Recognized Awarding Gallantry Medals

Rana Wickrama Padakkama (RWP) and Rana Sura Padakkama (RSP), gallantry medal awarding ceremony for Gajaba Regiment (GR) War Heroes took place Tuesday (15) during a grand ceremony at the Regimental Headquarters (RHQ), GR, Saliyapura, Anuradhapura.

Major General Udaya Perera, Colonel of the Regiment, GR as the Chief Guest presided the occasion.

A total of 1157 War Heroes of GR were eligible to receive medals at the day’s ceremony.

The day’s event, attended by 676 War Heroes of the GR awarded RWP and RSP medals in recognition of their bravery and unmatched services.

Recital of the national anthem and observance of a two-minute silence in memory of all fallen War Heroes brought the scene to the apex, amid reverberating ‘Rana Bera’ sounds, presented by troupes of the cultural bands of the GR.

Afterwards, Rana Wickrama Padakkama (RWP) was awarded to military officers and other ranks in recognition of their allied or individual acts of heroism and bravery in the face of the enemy. It is also known as the combat gallantry medal.

Then, award of the Rana Sura Padakkama (RSP) which is also regarded as the combat excellence medal began. It recognizes individual and associated acts of heroism in facing the enemy.

The ceremony came to an end with the formal address of Major General Udaya Perera, Colonel of the Regiment, GR before the patriotic song ‘Ratnadeepa Janma Bhoomi’ was played.

Several senior officers, recipients of laurels, next-of-kin of fallen War Heroes, officers and other ranks witnessed the medal ceremony at Saliyapura.