Light Infantry \"Colours Fest-2004\" at BMICH, a huge success

Sri Lanka Light Infantry (SLLI), the oldest and most senior Regiment in the Sri Lanka Army on Thursday (11) saw its men are felicitated and honoured at their much-awaited \"Colours and Awards Night \" that took place at BMICH headed by Commander of the Army, Lt. General S. H. S Kottegoda and a host of distinguished guests.

Traditional cultural feats and rhythms of Daul and Horane offered by the Army Cultural Group and two more groups blended well with enchanting flavour of oriental music presented by music maestros, none other than, Visharada Sanath Nandasiri, Visharada Edward Jayakody, Visharada Sunil Edirisinghe and T. M Jayaratne, no doubt entertained the audience.

Lt. Gen Kottegoda's arrival as Chief Guest on the occasion set the stage to start off day's proceedings. The welcome dance performance with Daul drummers and Horane pipers heralded the onset to be followed by lighting of the traditional oil lamp, meant to invoke blessings and add light to the occasion.

Well appreciative of what they sacrificed, everybody rose to their feet afterwards and maintained a two-minute silence in memory of the fallen heroes before the Regimental Anthem was aired.

Giving the audience a glimpse of the historical data that led to the birth of the SLLI was Major General N. Mallawaarachchi, Colonel of the Regiment who also welcomed all those participating in the ceremony. A little while later, Ms. Padmini Ariyadasa produced \"Puja Dance\" to be followed by reputed \"Ves\" Dancing of the Kandyan tradition took the centre of stage during the proceedings before the first stage of awarding got under way. Major General A. M. W. C. B Seneviratne, Chief of Staff was subsequently called upon to the stage to award Colours for Sports and Shooting events. More than half of the recipients of the Colours were the disabled whose presence on the stage evoked a thundering applause from the audience. Presentation of Colours to Sportsmen who achieved international recognition and their Coaches was the next item on the agenda.

As the climax of the occasion was reaching, Lt. General Kottegoda as Chief Guest was then accompanied to the stage by Major General Mallawarachchi for presentation of Colours and Awards to most outstanding Battalions. Amidst applause, the most prestigious Colonel of the Regiment Trophy was awarded to the Commanding Officer (CO) Major S. J Tanthiriwatte of the 6th SLLI Battalion as “Best Battalion” in recognition of its overall performance. Trophy for the Best Battalion for general duties was won by Major J. Jayaweera, Commanding Officer 1st SLLI Battalion. The 6th SLLI once again came to limelight when its CO was invited to receive the Trophy for best Administration duties from the Commander of the Army Lt. Gen. S. H. S Kottegoda.

The 10th SLLI was adjudged the Best Battalion for Logistics matters and the Trophy went to Major J. Gunarathne, CO for the Battalion. In the field of sports, the Headquarters SLLI battalion emerged victorious and the Trophy was received by Major M.M. Munasinghe. Lt. Gen Kottegoda in his brief speech of acknowledgement and appreciation on the occasion thanked all organizers for their excellent contribution to make this ceremony a success. He also wished that the Regiment be blessed with more and more sportsmen and talented soldiers.

Lt Colonel S. W. M. T. B Hulugalle raising the vote of thanks at the conclusion of the ceremony saluted sponsors of the day's event and all personnel involved in organizing the mammoth spectacle.

A large gathering of Senior Army Officers, Next of kin of SLLI Officers and Other Ranks and distinguished invitees attended the colourful event.