11th October 2020 11:05:24 Hours
In keeping with the 71th Army Anniversary commemoration, all ranks at Security Force HQs on 10 October 2020 had their own commemorative events on a low-profile due to the resurgence of COVID-19 epidemic.
Commencing the formalities at the Security Force Heaquarters - Wanni (SFHQ-W), the Army Flag was hoisted in front of the Headquarters Complex by the Commander Security Forces – Wanni, Major General Dhammika Jayasinghe. The event continued with the singing of the Army Song and observance of a two-minute silence to commemorate the memory of fallen War Heroes. Then, the Staff Officer II (Administration) proceeded with reading out the Army Day message of the Commander of the Army.
Brigadier General Staff SFHQ - W, all Officers, Other Ranks and civil staff serving the Wanni Headquarters participated in the brief event.
Meanwhile, 521 Brigade troops and 11 Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment (VIR) troops of the 52 Division provided a lunch treat to the inmates at St Lucas’ Elders Home at Puththur, Jaffna on account of the Army anniversary. The programme was launched on the directions of the 52 Infantry Division.
In line with health guidelines, Brigadier Kithsiri Liyange, General Officer Commanding of 52 Division, Brigadier Krishantha Peiris, Commander, 521 Brigade, Major Geeth Munagamge, Commanding Officer, 11 Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment, Senior Officers, Officers and troops participated in the occasion.
Similarly, Boyagane-based Vijayabahu Infantry Regimental (VIR) Centre contributed their share to the commemoration of the 71st Army Day under the guidelines given by the Colonel of the Regiment VIR, Major General Sisira Pilapitiya, adhering to all preventive health measures against COVID-19 pandemic on 10 October.
The day’s itinerary got to a start with hoisting of the Army Flag by the Centre Commandant VIR and the Army Song jointly sung by everyone present at the venue, rent the air, adding grandeur and patriotic sentiments to the occasion.
A two-minute silence that followed afterwards in solemn moment of gratitude venerated the memory of fallen War Heroes who sacrificed their lives to defend the motherland. The gathering then listened to the Army Commander’s Army Day Message that announced future prospects for all in the Army.
On the 71st Army Anniversary, Deputy Commandant, VIR, Staff Officer I, (Veterans Affairs) and SO III (Audit) who have been promoted to their next rank by HE the President and the Commander of the Army had their new ranks worn by the Centre Commandant as a formal practice of the anniversary programme.
Insignia of promoted ranks of Other Ranks were pinned by the Centre Commandant and the Deputy Centre Commandant VIR and Regimental Grade I Staff Officers respectively on the same occasion. A total 1476 Other Ranks belonging to VIR (Warrant Officer I - 8, Warrant Officer II - 69, Colour Sergeant - 37, Sergeant - 300, Corporal - 395 and Lance Corporal - 667) were among those promoted on the Army Day.
The Centre Commandant, Deputy Centre Commandant, Staff Officers, Regimental Sergeant Major and Other Ranks, Civil Staffers serving in the VIR Regimental Centre attended this chain of commemorative events.
Meanwhile, the Security Force HQ-Jaffna added their share to the commemoration of the 71st Army anniversary under the guidance of Major General Senarath Bandara, Commander Security Forces –Jaffna on Army Day (10)
The major highlight of the day included planting of 2000 Mango saplings and Jack saplings in the ‘Senura Uyana’, close to the Army cantonment.
The Commander, SF-Jaffna planted the first sapling and inaugurated the project together with Staff officers, officers and other ranks.
As is the case elsewhere, the Security Force HQ-Mullaittivu held formalities on the Army Day (10), graced by Major General Jagath Rathnayake, Commander, Security Forces - MLT.
Flag hoisting, Reading of the Commander’s anniversary message to the troops and a tree-planting drive added colour to the day's commemoration at the SFHQ-MLT.
Brigadier Piyal Nanakkarawasam, Brigadier Admin and Quartering, Brigadier Sugath Rathnayake, Brigadier General Staff, Brigadier Nihal Samarawickrama, Brigadier Coordination (Volunteer Matters), officers and other ranks attended the commemorative events adhering to the health instructions.
Subsequently, the Army Logistic Command Headquarters also contributed to the commemoration of the Army Day at its HQ at Kosgama on the Army Day (10).
Major General Wasantha Madola, Commander Army Logistics, planted saplings inside the camp premises.
Likewise, troops of the 24 Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment (SLSR) under command to the 591 Brigade and the 59 Division of the Security Force Headquarters -Mullaittivu on the eve of the Army Day (10) offered a special lunch treat to the children at Silawaththa Ladani Children's Home on Friday (9).
A total of 20 children enjoyed the meal and the arrangement was made on the the directions of Major General Jagath Rathnayake, Commander, Security Forces - Mullaittivu and Major General Priyantha Perera, General Officer Commanding, 59 Division.
Commanding Officer, 24 SLSR Lieutenant Colonel R. Rodrigo and his troops joined the occasion. Nike air jordan Sneakers | adidas Yeezy Boost 350
