15th October 2021 18:27:08 Hours
The Gajaba Regiment (GR) Regimental Headquarters at Saliyapura, Anuradhapura on account of the GR Regimental Day (Oct 14) in a special ceremony, held on Wednesday (13) evening extended a formal salute to its Colonel of the Regiment, General Shavendra Silva, Chief of Defence Staff and Commander of the Army.
Wednesday’s military salute to General Shavendra Silva preceded the formal Regimental Day ceremony, scheduled to be graced by General Manoj Mukund Naravane, PVSM, AVSM, SM, VSM, ADC, Chief of the Army Staff of the Indian Army as the Chief Guest on Thursday (14) at Saliyapura.
Soon after his arrival at Saliyapura, the Colonel of the Regiment was honoured in a drive Pass at the entrance. The first item on the evening’s agenda invited him to inaugurate the new accommodation building for Officers serving the GR Regimental HQ. Plaque unveiling and ribbon-cutting marked the inauguration of the new-storied building.
No sooner than General Shavendra Silva entered the new building, he proceeded to the statue of the Founding Father of the Gajaba Regiment, Major General Vijaya Wimalaratne and offered a bouquet of flowers in remembrance of contribution to the founding and growth of the Regiment.
The ceremony reached its apex as he was invited to receive the salute of the Guard of Honour, accorded in his honour after review of the parade, composed of 42 Officers and 520 Other Ranks, representative of all Battalions in the Regiment. After the Parade Commander reported it to the day’s Chief Guest, the formal salute was taken by General Shavendra Silva from the special dais.
Next, was the Colonel of the Regiment’s address to the troops. In his speech, he paid tribute to HE the President for his gracing the Army Day as the special Chief Guest who is a retired GR officer.
He also mentioned that this year’s 38th GR Anniversary is a milestone because of the arrival of the Indian Army Chief as the Chief Guest and his arrival is regarded a privilege, awarded to sons of the Gajaba Regiment.
Taking the occasion to thank everyone as the 1st Commander of the Gajaba Regiment, Chief of Defence Staff, and also as the 1st General produced by the Gajaba Regiment, he gratefully acknowledged the strength and courage he received from the Regiment to reach what he is today.
He also paid glowing tribute to Father of the Regiment, Major General Vijaya Wimalaratne who was the then 1st Commanding Officer at the time he joined the Gajaba family as a 2nd Lieutenant and it was he who inspired me to reach these heights as a leader. He was my guiding light and also I remember the Platoon Sergeant, Sergeant Jayasundara, all GR Officers and Other Ranks for their sacrifices and achievements for the best progress of the Regiment. He also wished those who departed attain supreme bliss of Nibbana and speedy recovery to those under recuperation.
