20th April 2025 12:55:38 Hours
The Sri Lanka Artillery (SLA) commemorated its 137th Anniversary by honouring its Fallen War Heroes at the Regimental Headquarters on 19 April 2025.
Lieutenant General Lasantha Rodrigo RSP ctf-ndu psc IG, Commander of the Army, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, upon the invitation of Major General K.V.N.P Premaratne RSP USP psc, Colonel Commandant of the SLA.
In accordance with military traditions, the Army Chief was accorded a Guard Turnout upon his arrival. He then officially declared open the newly constructed guard room at the main entrance of the Regimental Headquarters. Subsequently, formal commemorative proceedings commenced at the War Heroes’ Monument.
The ceremony began with the singing of the National Anthem and the Sri Lanka Army Anthem, followed by multi-religious observances in memory of the Fallen War Heroes. A mounting of vigil was performed, and all in attendance observed a two-minute silence to honour the supreme sacrifice of the War Heroes.
Thereafter, the Commander of the Army, together with the Colonel Commandant of the SLA, Senior Officers, Other Ranks, and family members of the Fallen War Heroes, laid floral wreaths at the monument. The solemn notes of the 'Last Post' were sounded in tribute to the fallen, followed by the ceremonial dismounting of the vigil.
During the All-Ranks tea, the Commander of the Army took time to interact with serving personnel and family members. He also recorded his thoughts in the visitor’s book. As a symbolic gesture marking the significance of the anniversary, the Army Chief officially handed over the Colour Vehicle to the Sri Lanka Artillery.
