The country’s hallowed premier seat of Army learning for Officer Cadets, Sri Lanka Military Academy (SLMA) at Diyatalawa, had the rare honour of welcoming Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani NI (M) HI on Saturday (29) as the Chief Guest for its Passing out Parade (PoP) of the Intakes 76, Lady 11 A and Lady 10 C (volunteer) and 52 A (volunteer), the most glittering spectacle in the academy’s calendar of events.
The day’s itinerary of the visiting Pakistan’s Army Chief this morning (29) in Diyatalawa commenced soon after he drove past the Guard Turnout, presented in his honour at the main archway to the SLMA in accordance with military traditions and they took part in the special remembrance service at the SLMA war memorial in the premises.
Before he walked to the War Memorial, the Commander of the Army, General Jagath Jayasuriya, together with the Commandant SLMA Brigadier I.P Ranasinghe welcomed the visiting Pakistan Army Chief to the SLMA precincts.
Paying his solemn respect to the memory of fallen War Heroes, the visiting Pakistan Army Chief laid a floral wreath at the SLMA memorial.
As the Chief Guest was entering the parade square precisely at 9.00 a.m, Army bands with their rhythmic beats and associated formalities heralded the inauguration of the most central segment of the commissioning ceremony where 64 Cadet Officers of the Intakes 76, Lady 11 A and 52 A (volunteer) received their commissioning swords from the day’s distinguished guest.
The Chief Guest, at the invitation of the SLMA Commandant afterwards amidst cheers and greetings awarded prestigious swords to those 64 Cadet Officers, symbolizing commissioning of those officers after graduation before receiving their salute in a colourful parade in the company of his Sri Lankan counterpart, General Jagath Jayasuriya.
Participation of lady cadet officers in the parade added special elegance and colour to the event as the mammoth invitees witnessed the spectacle with interest. The Parade Commander was Major K.M.A.P Karunaratne of Sri Lanka Armoured Corps.
Battalion Under Officer, Officer Cadet, K.D.S Silva of the Intake 76 is honoured with award of the symbolic Sword of Honour for the Best Overall Performance.
In his brief address to the gathering, General Kayani spoke high of bonds of friendship and goodwill that continues to prevail between two organizations, based on solid understanding and co-operation.
He did not mince words to opine that the SLMA remains to be one of the finest and esteemed military training institutes in the world, producing Cadets of high standards, as displayed in the splendid parade, a few minutes ago.
Commending Sri Lanka’s post-war adaptation and revival, the four-star General said that his country has always supported Sri Lanka in its 30 – year long war and will continue to do so in the future, too as both military organizations liaise with each other very closely.
Sri Lanka and Pakistan, he added, being two peace-loving nations, would do everything possible to achieve regional stability while cementing regional co-operation.
Minutes after the main highlight in the commissioning ceremony was over, the visiting Pakistan Army Chief, added eternal memories to the SLMA premises by planting a tree sapling in the compound at the invitation of the SLMA Commandant before the stage was set for unforgettable group photos of those new officers with the Chief Guest.
Exchange of mementos and placement of signatures during interactions at different occasions attached further significance to the event.
A large gathering of diplomats, senior officers, distinguished invitees, parents and well-wishers witnessed the day’s main highlights. General Kayani was scheduled to leave for Pakistan Saturday (29) afternoon.
Sri Lanka Military Academy (SLMA), lying at the garrison town of Diyatalawa has hitherto produced a fine assortment of quality and illustrious officers of high-standards to the country and continues to expand its academic horizons in line with modern day military reforms and requirements.
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