Elaborate preparations to mark the 63rd anniversary of the Army and Army Day (October 10) are now underway, giving prominence to separate religious observances of all four major denominations.
The Army, raised in October 1949 as the country’s most formidable land force to be reckoned with, is now comprised of 24 regiments, including volunteer ones and currently engaged in a multiplicity of nation-building development tasks soon after its landmark victory over terrorism in the year 2009.
This year’s anniversary celebrations will commence on October 1, with the customary Flag Blessing ceremony at Anuradhapura Jaya Sri Maha Bodhiya precincts where blessings are symbolically invoked on all regimental flags after being taken them round the sacred Bodhiya.
Subsequent Hindu, Islamic and Christian religious observances and prayers follow on Oct 2,3 & 4 respectively at Sri Ponnambalam Vineshvar Kovil, Davatagaha Jumma Mosque and All Saints’ Church in Colombo.
An all-night Pirith chanting ceremony on 6 October at Panagoda Sri Bodhirajaramaya (Army Temple) is to offer Heel Daana (breakfast) and alms (Saangika Daana) to 63 monks, the following afternoon (7).
The peak of the year’s anniversary events gets underway on 10 October (Army Day) with a series of military events at CR & FC grounds, Colombo 7 where Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya, Commander of the Army, is the Chief Guest.
Upon the Commander’s inspection of the Guard Turn Out, presented in his honour, the formal inauguration of the day’s proceedings begins with the Commander’s hoisting of the Army Flag and recital of the Army Song, adding sentiments of patriotism and grandeur to the occasion.
Soon after the two-minute silence in honour of the memory of all fallen and missing War Heroes, the day’s highlight, the ceremonial parade with regimental colours, will salute the Commander after the colourfully-attired Parade Commander reports it in accordance with military traditions.
Next, is the Commander’s customary address to all troops in the Army, in which the Commander is expected to evaluate and appreciate multiple development roles, being pursued by the Army in the post-conflict Sri Lanka.
The second segment of the Army Day programme comprises the Commander’s visit to Attidiya Mihindu Seth Medura for distribution of gift parcels among more than 50 dependent War Heroes, residing there. He will be accompanied by senior officers and Mrs Manjulika Jayasuriya, President, Seva Vanitha Army Branch. A special tea table, organized for all ranks at Army Headquarters, the same evening culminates the day’s programme.
Army Dinner Dance, revived last year after absence of more than 30 years as one of the pioneering social and entertaining events in the Army calendar, will take place on 13 October, bringing anniversary programmes to an end. Proceeds from the Dinner Dance are to be used for welfare work of disable War Heroes and Army families. (Ends)
