11th October 2025
The Sri Lanka Army celebrated its 76th Anniversary today (10 October 2025) at the Panagoda Army Cantonment, marking over seven decades of dedicated and distinguished service to the nation.
Lieutenant General Lasantha Rodrigo RSP ctf-ndu psc IG, Commander of the Army, graced the event as the Chief Guest.
In keeping with military traditions, the Chief Guest was warmly welcomed by Brigadier W.K.S.P.M.R.A.B. Dodamwela psc, Centre Commandant of the Sri Lanka Light Infantry Regiment (SLLI), and was then accorded a Guard Turnout by the troops of SLLI.
Soon after receiving military honours, the Commander of the Army arrived at the SLLI parade ground entrance, accompanied by Mrs. Swendrini Dissanayake, President of the Army Seva Vanitha Unit. He was received by Senior Officers including, Major General Y.A.B.M. Yahampath RWP RSP ndu psc, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Army, Major General K.V.N.P. Premaratne RSP USP nps psc, Commandant of the Sri Lanka Army Volunteer Force, and Major General K.T.P. De Silva RSP ndu psc, Adjutant General of the Sri Lanka Army. Then, the Commander of the Army officially commenced the day’s proceedings by hoisting the Army Flag.
Following the flag-hoisting, the Army Song was solemnly recited, and attendees observed a two-minute silence in honour of all fallen War Heroes.
This year’s Army Day Parade was commanded by Major General P.R. Pathiravithana USAWC psc, Director General General Staff of the Sri Lanka Army and Colonel Commandant of the Sri Lanka Armoured Corps. Brigadier K.A.D.C.R. Kannangara RSP ndc, Director of Sports, served as the Parade Second-in-Command. The parade featured 75 Officers and 626 Other Ranks representing 24 Regiments, along with ceremonial Colour Squads.
After reviewing the parade, the Commander of the Army was saluted by the assembled troops in accordance with military traditions. He then presented the Army Commander’s Commendation Badge to six distinguished Other Ranks in recognition of their exceptional service during the past year. These individuals were honoured for acts of bravery, integrity and selfless service during national emergencies, often performed at great personal risk.
In his address, the Commander of the Army emphasised a soldier-centric approach to future development, focusing on producing professional soldiers equipped with advanced technical skills and modern warfare capabilities. Under the guiding motto, “Serve to Lead,” he reaffirmed that the Army is committed to becoming a future-ready force defined by excellence, professionalism, and strong leadership.
He also paid heartfelt tribute to all former Army Commanders, wounded and fallen War Heroes, serving Officers, Other Ranks, civil employees, and their families by encouraging all ranks to continue their dedicated service for the betterment of the nation.
The celebration was attended by former Commanders of the Army, retired Senior Officers, Senior Officers, their spouses, Officers, former Army Headquarters Sargent Majors and Other Ranks.
