28th October 2018 19:12:28 Hours
The ‘Abhiman Mudunatha’, the Sri Lanka Light Infantry (SLLI) Regiment’s state-of-the art skywards-looking War Heroes’ monument at Panagoda on Saturday (27) evening shed a melancholic glow over the skies as thousands of spouses, children and relatives of fallen SLLI War Heroes gathered before it with flowers in hand.
The SLLI War Heroes’ commemoration, coloured by the presence of Lieutenant General Mahesh Senanayake, Commander of the Army as the Chief Guest, coincided with the 29th Anniversary of the founding of the SLLI Regimental Headquarters at Panagoda.
The day’s commemoration commenced with the arrival of the Chief Guest, Commander of the Army, who was welcomed by Major General J.R Kulathunga, Colonel of the Regiment, SLLI and Commandant Defence Services Command and Staff College at Sapugskanda, amid reverberating Ranabera rhythms.
Religious observances of Buddhist, Hindu, Christian and Islamic denominations set in afterwards as everybody joined standing in silence.
Giving pride of place to Buddhist religious observances, ‘Pen Wedime’ ritual was performed by members of the Maha Sangha, near the cenotaph which displays the names of all 168 Officers and 3700 Other Rankers who sacrificed their lives for defence of the country after the year 1900.
The singing of the national anthem kicked off the day’s solemn ceremony, followed by the customary two- minute silence in honour of fallen SLLI War Heroes. That set the floor for SLLI Regimental Center Commandant Brigadier M.M Kithsiri to deliver a brief welcome speech.
A special War Hero tribute message was also read out at the same occasion after the religious segment. An all-night Pirith chanting, alms-giving to 29 monks and a parade were also held to coincide with the occasion. Commander of the Army, the Chief Guest in a moving speech afterwards saluted the memories of fallen SLLI War Heroes and lauded their unforgettable sacrifices.
Soon after the first floral wreath was laid by the day's Chief Guest, SLLI Colonel of the Regiment, Centre Commandant and representatives of retired SLLI veterans, SLLI Unit Commanders, Regimental Warrant Officers, other ranks, spouses, parents, children and next of kin of fallen war heroes followed suit.
As the laying of wreath culminated, the Last Post was sounded paying tribute to their memory.
Former Commanders of the Army, including General Shantha Kottegoda, General Daya Rathnayake, retired veterans, senior officers, a large gathering of serving officers and other ranks attended the commemoration ceremony.trace affiliate link | Trending
