Sri Lanka Army troops serving the Jaffna peninsula, in compliance with the government’s directions, released the last of the Army-held private buildings in the Jaffna town High Security Zone (HSZ) on Friday (4) after re-locating its 51 Division in Kopay, away from the famous Jaffna’s Subash Hotel in Victoria road.
Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya, Commander of the Army, gracing the ceremonial opening of the new Kopay-based 51 Division Headquarters, responsible for security in Jaffna center and its outskirts as the Chief Guest, unveiled a plaque and declared its main wing opened, amidst religious rites and rituals.
The establishment of the new 51 Division Headquarters on Friday (4) coincided with the government’s policy of establishing permanent military installations for national security island-wide while simultaneously vacating any private property, still being held by the Army.
The famous Subash Hotel, taken over by the Army on lease on 2nd December 1995, following escalation of LTTE violence in the Jaffna township, has been fully used by 51 Division troops as their headquarters until a section of this hotel was emptied several months ago soon after the equally famous Gnanam Hotel was formally released to its owners.
Friday’s (4) inaugural opening of the new Division Headquarters, saw the visiting Commander of the Army being accorded a Guard of Honour after he, on arrival at the entrance to the new 51 Division Headquarters, inspected the Guard Turn Out in accordance with military traditions. The visiting Army Chief amidst blessings of the religious dignitaries lit the traditional oil lamp to mark the ceremonial inauguration and walked round to see the new premises in the company of senior officers. Afterwards, the Commander shared views with participating soldiers at tea and spoke to several other senior officers in charge of different wings in the new Division headquarters.
Prior to the Commander’s exit from the new location, Lieutenant General Jayasuriya planted a tree sapling in the new premises as a token of memory of his visit to the complex and posed for a group photo with officers and other ranks serving the Headquarters.
Major General Mahinda Hathurusinghe, Commander, Security Forces Headquarters, Jaffna (SFHQ-J) received the visiting Army Chief at Palaly airbase on his arrival. Major General N. J Walgama, General Officer Commanding, 51 Division welcomed him at the new 51 Division Headquarters.
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