01st September 2024 15:04:07 Hours
The Infantry Training Centre (ITC) in Minneriya proudly celebrated its 40th anniversary on 28 August 2024 with a series of events.
The celebrations began on 20 August 2024 with a noble initiative of a mass environmental cleanup at the picturesque Minneriya Tank Bund.
This was followed by multi-religious flag-blessing ceremonies held on 21 August 2024 at the Minneriya Devalaya, and a Somawathiya Bodhi Pooja event on 22 August 2024. An alms-giving ceremony for the members of the Maha Sangha also took place in the morning on 23 August 2024 at the Somawathiya Temple.
A blood donation programme was held at the ITC auditorium with assistance from the staff of Akkaraipattu Base Hospital on 26 August 2024 in line with the anniversary.
The main event on 28 August 2024 commenced with Brigadier M.P.N.A. Muthumala USP psc, the Commandant of the ITC, paying tribute to the fallen War Heroes at the War Heroes Memorial by placing a floral wreath.
The troops warmly welcomed the Commandant of the ITC according a Guard Turnout at the entrance of the Infantry Training Centre.Following this, he accepted the salute of a colorful ceremonial parade. After the parade, the Chief Guest posed for a group photograph with the ITC staff.
Subsequently, to commemorate the occasion, the Chief Guest and ITC staff planted lime saplings in a designated area within the ITC.
The series of anniversary events concluded with an All Ranks Lunch, attended by the Commandant, Commanding Officer, Chief Instructor, ITC Staff Officers, Instructor Officers, the Training Centre Sergeant Major, and Other Ranks representing all the wings of the Infantry Training Centre.
