30th November 2020 19:00:40 Hours
Appreciative of the dedicated and exemplary services, rendered to the Sri Lanka Light Infantry Regiment and the Army alike, the Sri Lanka Light Infantry (SLLI) Regimental HQ at Panagoda on Saturday (28) during a military ceremony felicitated the retiring Major General Jayanath Jayaweera, Colonel of the Regiment, Sri Lanka Light Infantry and the Commandant at OCDC Buttala who has served more than 34 years.
In keeping with military formalities, the day’s protagonist, Major General Jayanath Jayaweera on arrival at the entrance to the RHQ SLLI was received by Colonel Ravindra Jayasinghe, Deputy Centre Commandant before he was invited to receive the Guard Turnout salute and taken him to be welcomed by his incoming successor, Major General Wasantha Abrew, General Officer Commanding, 56 Division and the SLLI Centre Commandant, Brigadier Anura Dissanayake. Seconds after, the stage was set to award the highest salute, Guard of Honour at the parade ground where elegantly-clad soldiers were awaiting the arrival of the day’s Chief Guest.
After the parade commander reported the day’s arrangement, Major General Jayaweera was conducted to the special dais to receive the formal military salute after a brief review of the parade as soothing patriotic melodies rent the air. The next item on the agenda was a symbol of commemoration of thousands of SLLI War Heroes who laid their lives for the sake of the motherland. The solemn moment saw unmatched sacrifices were honoured placing floral wreaths by the outgoing infantry officer who made the Regiment prouder. Planting of a sapling in the compound added additional memories to the day’s proceedings before the Chief Guest spoke out his mind in the final troop address where moving sentiments were expressed.
“All must keep in mind that the military is a noble profession that everyone would not be able to perform and accomplish successfully and it is the only mechanism that educates you for best results in life, namely, work commitment, dedication, integrity both professional and moral, self-dignity, highest discipline, patriotic accomplishments, saviour of the Nation, etc. So you are blessed at many fronts and should continue to perform well and bring credit to the Regiment and the Army at all levels. Remember, your conduct with above said virtues would mirror you all the time,” he remarked expressing his gratitude to all in the Regiment and appealing them to offer the best of cooperation to incoming Senior Officers too with the same spirits.
As dusk fell, a typical ‘Dining Out’, one of the most colourful and memorable features in the military got underway at the Officers’ Mess where the retiring day’s Chief Guest’s unblemished record was awarded a memento, supplemented with heaps of praise and appreciation. A host of spouses, including Mrs Anuja Jayaweera, the outgoing Chairperson of the SLLI Seva Vanitha Unit too joined the occasion. On the following morning (29), after leaving compliments in the SLLI Visitors’ Book, the retiring Senior Officer was cheered in a ‘Street-Line’ goodbye as his vehicle inched its way towards the exit amid best wishes.Adidas shoes | Sneakers
