02nd March 2020 19:06:44 Hours
The oldest regiment in the Army, Sri Lanka Light Infantry (SLLI) and its Regimental Headquarters (RHQ) at Panagoda, further equipped their RHQ premises with opening of the much-needed 3-storied new building complex during a ceremony, held this morning (2).
The state-of-the-art new construction that accommodates the Mess Hall for Other Ranks, Canteen and the spacious auditorium was ceremonially opened by Lieutenant General Shavendra Silva, Chief of Defence Staff and Commander of the Army as the Chief Guest at the invitation of Major General Mahinda Mudalige, Colonel of the Regiment, SLLI and Commander, Security Forces - West. Unveiling of a plaque, ribbon cutting and milk pot boiling rites and rituals added importance to the opening.
The day’s Chief Guest on arrival at the Panagoda SLLI RHQ was greeted in a Guard Turnout, presented by SLLI troops wearing white hackles after he was warmly received by Colonel Anura Dissanayake, Centre Commandant, SLLI and ushered him to the parade ground in conformity with military traditions.
After Major General Mahinda Mudalige, Colonel of the Regiment, SLLI extended his greetings to the day’s Chief Guest, he was invited to take the salute in the Guard of Honour, presented by SLLI troops in his honour from the special dais. Coloured with the presence of the SLLI Regimental mascot, ‘Kandula’, SLLI troops in their ceremonial attires holding Regimental Colours joined to do the honours for the visiting Commander of the Army.
After a while, Commander of the Army unveiled a plaque and opened the newly-erected three-storied building, inclusive of the 1000-seat auditorium, Canteen and the ORs’ Mess hall amid religious blessings, invoked by members of the Maha Sangha. Distinguished visitors afterwards had a look around the entire building complex and shared a couple of views on their facilities, technical aspects etc.
Next was the customary Commander’s address, made to the 1200 plus SLLI all ranks who had gathered there. He went on;
“Your Regiment which has a long history of more than 138 years has shown its skills both in the history of warfare and sports arena. Your Officers and Other Ranks in the Regiment have achieved Gold, Silver and Bronze medals in global championships and Olympics, bringing credit and reputation to the Sri Lanka, Army as well as to the SLLI Regiment.”
“As the incumbent Commander of the Army, I recall with gratitude the selfless contribution, made by infantry War Heroes of your Regiment during warfare and operations with unwavering strength and courage, to abide by your motto, “I Serve”.
Referring to the Army contribution to ongoing cultivation programmes, Lieutenant General Silva added; “Recently, the Directorate of Agriculture and Livestock launched a project for re-cultivating of barren paddy lands. Under that, 12 acres of paddy land that come under the Sri Lanka Army Headquarters premises were asweddumized. Further, a walking track is being built for use of the public. Armoured vehicles and Artillery guns have been positioned at the Army Headquarters entrance in order to display the pride and dignity, associated with the Sri Lanka Army.”
“Additionally, the tree planting project ‘Thuru Mithuru - Nawa Ratak’ launched by the Sri Lanka Army goes hand in hand with the government’s green environment concept, free from pollution. In the meantime, as a solution to the traffic jam in Colombo, the Sri Lanka Police and the Military Police are taking measures to help decrease the traffic congestion. I deeply believe it would be easy for the children who are entering Colombo from far away places because of that help,” he added.
“Above mentioned social and welfare projects implemented by the Army are beyond their call of duty, but it is our duty and responsibility to establish peace and protect the motherland from eventual riots, foreign interventions or any other threats which can create a bad name for the country in the future,” the Commander opined.
“To coincide with the 70th anniversary of the Sri Lanka Army, 244 Officers and 7643 Other Ranks were promoted whose promotions were overdue for years. It was the first time in the Army history that such a large percentage was promoted,” the Commander reminded. A group photo in front of the new building complex with all Senior Officers added memories to the occasion. The Commander also left his signature in the Visitors’ Book with compliments on the same occasion as memories.
Major General Mahinda Mudalige upon completion of the day’s event gave away a special memento to the visiting Chief Guest as a token of appreciation.
Senior SLLI Officers including Council members were present on the occasion. latest jordans | Nike Dunk - Collection - Sb-roscoff
