The 1st contingent of Sri Lanka Light Infantry (SLLI) troops as the 6th contingent of the Army, bound for UN Peace Keeping Missions on the eve of their departure to Lebanon, accorded a formal salute to SLLI Colonel of the Regiment Major General R.M.D Ratnayaka, Chief of Staff on Friday (12) at SLLI Regimental Headquarters, Panagoda.
10 officers and 140 other ranks of the contingent, majority being from the SLLI during their passing-out parade, commanded by Lieutenant Colonel W.S.K Liyanawaduge presented the salute to the SLLI Colonel of the Regiment.
The contingent is also comprised of troops from Mechanized Infantry Regiment, Commandos, Special Forces, Sri Lanka Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, Engineer Service Regiment, Sri Lanka Signal Corps, Sri Lanka Army Service Corps, Sri Lanka Medical Corps, Sri Lanka Army Ordnance Corps, Sri Lanka Corps of Military Police, Sri Lanka Army General Service Corps and Sri Lanka Engineers.
Troops first presented a Guard Turn Out upon Major General R.M.D Ratnayaka’s entry into the parade premises in accordance with military traditions.
The Chief Guest of the event, Major General R.M.D Ratnayaka after inspecting it was invited to inspect the parade before the salute in the traditional Guard of Honour was taken by him from a special dais at the venue.
In his brief address to the troops, Major General Ratnayaka urged each and every one of the contingent to protect the country’s identity, depicting professional standards, cultural values and dignity, associated with their responsibilities in Lebanon at all times.
‘You have been entrusted the most important assignment of protecting the UN Peace Keeping Headquarters in Lebanon and this has been very well done by all previous Sri Lankan contingents who went there. Your service, therefore need to be performed, maintaining highest standards of discipline because it is your conduct that reflects the quality of your profession and the Army, to which you belong,’ the Chief Guest told them.
Towards the end of the parade, the Chief Guest on the occasion did not forget to feed the caparisoned SLLI mascot, ‘Kandula’ who was also associated with the day’s arrangement.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
