SLAC 68th Anniversary Marked with a Variety of Projects

The Sri Lanka Armoured Corps (SLAC) Regiment celebrated its 68th Anniversary on 15 December 2023 at its Regiment HQ, Rock House in Modera.

Major General S.W.M Fernando WWV RWP RSP VSV USP ndc psc, Colonel Commandant SLAC and Military Secretary graced the anniversary day ceremonies as the Chief Guest, together with a representative gathering of Senior Officers, Officers and Other Ranks.

At the outset, a Guard Turnout greeted the day's Chief Guest on arrival and he was afterwards warmly welcomed by Major General M.S Devapriya USP ndc, General Officer Commanding of 64 Infantry Division along with Brigadier P.N Wijesiriwardena RSP USP, the Centre Commandant SLAC and Brigadier L.K.T Fernando RSP USP, the Commander Armoured Brigade.

At the outset, he paid a floral tribute to the statue of General Deshamanya D.S Attygalle MVO idc psc who was instrumental in founding the Regiment. Then the glamorous Anniversary Parade saluted the Chief Guest in conformity with military traditions. After reviewing the parade, the Chief Guest conveyed his best wishes and warm greetings to Retired and Serving All Ranks and Members of the Civil Staff who were present while paying tribute to all fallen War Heroes. He also did not forget to wish speedy recovery for injured SLAC War Heroes.

During the parade, upon the performance made during the year, the trophies were awarded to the best SLAC regiment by the Colonel Commandant. The 4 Armoured Regiment was adjudged the most outstanding regiment for the year 2023 and received a trophy while the 5 Reconnaissance Regiment and 1 Reconnaissance Regiment were awarded for 2nd and 3rd slots respectively.

As a special event, the Colonel Commandant awarded the Colonel Commandants' honours for the first time in 68 years of history to Officers and Other Ranks who have shown outstanding performances in local, foreign courses and sports events during the year 2023. As part of the anniversary programme, the President of Veterans' Association SLAC, Major General M.P Peiris (Rtd) RWP RSP VSV USP ndc psc along with its members donated 6 scholarships to children of SLAC families.

Meanwhile, participating Senior Officers gave away gifts and trophies to the winners in different events and competitions at the same occasion.

The launch of the 'Armoured Corps Journal 2023' took place at the same venue.

The spectacular event culminated with an All Rank lunch. General J Jayasuriya (Rtd) RWP VSV USP ndu psc, Mrs Lali Kobbekaduwa, many reputed retired members of the Cavalry family, Senior Officers/Officers and Other Ranks participated in the anniversary celebration.