22nd January 2022 15:45:53 Hours
The 29th-anniversary commemoration of the Military Intelligence Corps (MIC) and its remembrance of fallen MIC War Heroes got underway this afternoon (21) at the MIC Headquarters in Karandeniya, Ambalangoda, awarding the pride of place to the memory of fallen MIC War Heroes.
The solemn and dignified ceremony, headed by General Shavendra Silva, Chief of Defence Staff and Commander of the Army as the Chief Guest for the day’s programme commenced after his arrival at the premises.
Major General Suresh Sallay, Colonel Commandant, MIC warmly received the visiting General Shavendra Silva after the latter was greeted in a drive-pass Guard Turnout at the entrance before the day’s Chief Guest was ushered to the main hall to deliver a formal address to the MIC troops awaiting his arrival as the first feature of the day’s programme.
A few more than 300 plus MIC troops at the Corporals’ Club adhering to health guidelines, including Officers and all other MIC battalions across the country virtually listened to the day’s Chief Guest’s address, who at first extended New Year greetings to all of them and their family members.
Towards the end of the address, MIC Colonel Commandant showed gratitude to the day’s Chief Guest for his visit to the location and presented him a special memento.
Afterwards, General Shavendra Silva joined an inspection tour across the HQ premises where new construction works are underway. He also shared thoughts with Engineer troops at work and gave necessary instructions as necessary. At the invitation of the MIC Colonel Commandant, the day’s Chief Guest sat for a group photograph with Officers and planted a Naa sapling in the premises as a symbol of memory of his visit to the place.
The highlight of the day, the neatly-organized ‘Monument Parade’ at the MIC War Heroes’ monument in the compound commenced after the Commander of the Army was invited to the location by Major General Suresh Sallay, Colonel Commandant, MIC and Director General State Intelligence Service (SIS).
Recital of the national anthem, Army song and the MIC Regimental song in sequence paved the way for conduct of religious observances of all four denominations as parade troops positioned themselves to stand at ease before the posting of the Reveille Guard.
The day’s Chief Guest with his spouse, Mrs Sujeewa Nelson, President, Army Seva Vanitha Unit and the gathering then rose to their feet and observed a one-minute silence to recall the memories of those 69 fallen MIC War Heroes as the epitaph was read out before the gathering while recalling their acts of bravery and dedication for the best interests of the motherland, particularly during the height of LTTE terrorism several years ago.
General Shavendra Silva laid the first floral wreath at the monument and saluted their memory after lamps were lit around the monument. A representative group, comprised of former MIC Colonel Commandant, Major General S.D Tennakoon (Retd), MIC Colonel Commandant, Major General Suresh Salley, Director General, MI, Major General Robin Jayasuriya, MIC Centre Commandant, Brigadier Nazeer Majid, Commandant, MIC School, Regimental Sergeant and family members of fallen MIC War Heroes then followed suit and placed floral wreaths in memory of those brave ones who selflessly contributed to the successful culmination of ruthless terrorist acts of the LTTE before May 2009.
The visiting Commander of the Army and few other attendees at the ceremony lit the first few lamps in the monument to commence the day's proceedings.
A few minutes later, the Last Post and the Reveille sounded bringing the day’s commemoration to end with the fall-out of parade troops and the exit of guarded troops from the monument. The Retreat afterwards occurred in accordance with military traditions signaling the culmination of commemorative ceremonies on this important day of the MIC.
Senior Officers, MIC Seva Vanitha Chairperson, Mrs Manori Sallay, members of the ASVU, Officers and Other Ranks attended the day’s series of events.
