Army Chief Graces the Drill & Pace Stick Competition Prize Awarding Ceremony

The prize awarding ceremony of the Army Inter-Regiment Drill and Pace Stick Competition - 2024 was held on 18 December 2024 at the Sri Lanka Light Infantry (SLLI) Parade Square in Panagoda. Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage RWP RSP ndu, Commander of the Army, graced the event as the Chief Guest.

The competitions, held from 26 August to 02 September 2024 at the 6 Sri Lanka Artillery Parade Square, showcased the Army’s commitment to discipline and excellence.

The entire programme was conducted under the guidance of the Adjutant General and the Director, Directorate of Personnel Administration.

Upon arrival, the Chief Guest was accorded a Guard Turnout by SLLI troops. The ceremony commenced with the singing of the Army Song, followed by a two-minute silence to honour the fallen War Heroes. Subsequently, the Commander of the Army received a ceremonial Guard of Honour presented by SLLI troops.

The event continued with impressive drill and band displays by participants from various Regiments, whose precision and skill earned cheers and applause from the audience.

Afterwards, the Army Chief presented trophies, prizes, and, for the first time in the history of the Army, special commemorative Medals for outstanding individual performances. After the presentation of awards, the Commander extended his congratulations to the winners and participants and posed for group photographs.

With the approval of the Ministry of Education, students from 21 schools, including Devi Balika Girls College, Ananda College, Royal College - Colombo, Dharmashoka College, Maliyadewa Girls College, Mahamaya Girls College, Yashodara Devi Girls College, Vijaya College, Vidura College, Tissa Central College, Tamil Central College - Vavuniya, St. Thomas College - Matale, Sirimavo Bandaranayake College - Colombo, Nalanda College - Colombo, Mahanama College - Colombo, Karandeniya Central College, Ikra Muslim College - Punani, Homagama Central College, Hindu College - Jaffna, Defence College, and Anula Girls College witnessed the event. These students, representing Hermann Loose and De Soyza Trophy winners, cadet platoons, school bands, and prefect bodies were given the opportunity to experience the Army's discipline and precision during the occasion. The event also aimed to instill in the students a deeper understanding of the values upheld by the Army and the importance of teamwork, focus, and dedication, as demonstrated through the drill competition.

Major General W.P.A.D.W. Nanayakkara RSP VSV USP ndu, Chief of Staff of the Sri Lanka Army and Colonel of the Regiment of the Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment, the Deputy Chief of Staff, Senior Officers, Officers, Other Ranks, teachers and students from 21 schools across the island witnessed this spectacular event.

Award Recipients:

Best Drill Team - Men’s

1st Place - Sri Lanka Light Infantry (SLLI)

2nd Place – The Gemunu Watch (GW)

Best Drill Team - Women’s

1st Place - Sri Lanka Army Women’s Corps (SLAWC)

2nd Place - Sri Lanka Corps of Military Police (SLCMP)

Best Band

1st Place - Sri Lanka Light Infantry (SLLI)

2nd Place - Sri Lanka Engineers (SLE)

Best Pace Stick Team

1st Place - Sri Lanka Light Infantry (SLLI)

2nd Place – The Gemunu Watch (GW)

Best Drill Instructor

1st Place - Warrant Officer II, I.G.S.B.J. Ihalagedara, Sri Lanka Engineers

Best Commander - Men’s

1st Place - Captain S. Arjuna, Sri Lanka Armoured Corps

Best Commander - Women’s

1st Place - Captain M. Tennakoon, Sri Lanka Army Women’s Corps

Best Band Master

1st Place - Sergeant A.G.T.U. Wijerathne, the Gajaba Regiment