24th September 2024 12:00:30 Hours
The Sri Lanka Army is set to celebrate its 75th anniversary on 10 October 2024.
This year's simple yet dignified anniversary ceremonies, commencing on 27 September 2024, will give prominence to religious observances of all faiths, as has been the tradition since the Army's inception.
Blessings will be invoked on all Army and Regimental Flags at the Anuradhapura Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, Sri Dalada Maligawa (Temple of the Tooth Relic), and Kataragama 'Kirivehera,' followed by a special Mass at Borella All Saints' Church, prayers at Kollupitiya Jumma Mosque, and a special 'Pooja' at Mayurapathi Kovil in Colombo 6, respectively, from 27 September to 4 October 2024. These will culminate in an all-night 'Pirith' chanting ceremony and the offering of alms to members of the 'Maha Sangha' on 5-6 October at Army Headquarters.
The anniversary celebrations will reach their apex with formal military ceremonies at the War Heroes’ Memorial in Battaramulla on 7 October 2024, followed by the Army Day Parade and the All-Ranks Dinner on 10 October, in keeping with military traditions.
Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage RWP RSP ndu, Commander of the Army will grace these segments of the anniversary ceremonies as the Chief Guest.
Additionally, the Commander of the Army is scheduled to visit permanently injured War Heroes at the 'Abhimansala 1' wellness resort in Anuradhapura to inquire about their well-being and distribute gift parcels as part of the anniversary celebrations. A special musical event will also be held at Mihindu Sethmadhura in Attidiya for War Heroes on 8 October 2024. Furthermore, an Army Exhibition and Tattoo will be conducted from 25 to 27 October 2024 at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Stadium, Diyagama.
