Published on - 3/28/2005
The 15-year old Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment (VIR) of the Army celebrated its birthday early during this week with a series of commemorative activities that included opening of a new two-storied building for living-in officers, worth over Rs. 5 million, conduct of an all-night Pirith-chanting and offer of alms, treat offered to orphaned children and tree-planting campaign.
Major General D.U.Munasinghe, Military Secretary and Colonel of the Regiment gracing ceremonies as Chief Guest declared open the new two-storied building, meant for use of Officers at Boyagane Regimental Headquarters on 19 March morning. The opening followed an all- night Pirith chanting by members of the Maha Sangha, the same evening. Alms were also served to the monks, the following morning, invoking blessings on all ranks and transferring merits on fallen war heroes and tsunami victims.
One of the other highlights of the anniversary commemorations was the treat, offered to inmates of Kurunegala Maliyadeva Children's home under the auspices of Lieutenant. Colonel K.C. Gunawardena, Centre Commandant RHQ-VIR. All those children were entertained to a sumptuous luncheon on the occasion
Colonel of the Regiment Major General Munasinghe, in what was seen as an exceptional move, also handed over another newly-built welfare shop and a basketball court to the VIR soldiers during the main ceremony on Tuesday (22).
Meanwhile, VIR soldiers after renovating the dilapidated tank inside the premises were also to release a shoal of fish to the renovated tank, now filled with fresh water to coincide with its birthday anniversaries. All Ranks at the Regimental Headquarters threw their full weight behind those commemorative arrangements.
