06th July 2022 15:25:56 Hours
Not forgetful of untold hardships and unmatched sacrifices they have made for defence of the motherland right throughout their military career for more than three decades, the Old Boys' Association of Galle St Aloysius’ College, its Colombo OBA Branch, Principal, together with former Principals and teachers in a dignified ceremony, held on Friday (01) felicitated Major General Jagath Kodituwakku, Chief of Staff of the Army and a collective of Tri Service veterans, all of who were old Aloysians at the college premises.
The felicitation ceremony got to a start soon after the day’s Chief Guest, Major General Jagath Kodituwakku, together with his old Tri Service college colleagues and class-mates who were the laureates in the day’s ceremony arrived there. The Principal, Mr Aruna Gamage after a warm welecome ushered all of them in, led by the college’s cadet band in a street-line. The invitees afterwards lit the traditional oil lamp and observed religious rites and rituals in accordance with traditions.
As the first item on the agenda, the College added immortality to the memory of all fallen Aloysian War Heroes by inviting Major General Jagath Kodithuwakku to lay the foundation stone for erection of a separate War Heroes' Monument inside the College compound, amid “Seth Pirith” chanted by members of the Maha Sangha. A total of 16 Aloysians, including 9 Army Officers, 7 Other Ranks of the Army and the Navy in defence of the motherland have made the supreme sacrifice during the three-decade long fight against LTTE terrorism.
All laureates were then ushered into the assembly area for the felicitation ceremony, preceded by the college’s oriental band along with invitees. Hoisting of flags by the Chief Guest, Principal and President of the Old Boys’ Association respectively and recital of the national anthem set the stage ready for commencement of the day’s proceedings. The Principal after the welcome address offered the floor to Dr Kolitha Lelwala, senior member of Colombo OBA branch who briefed the gathering on the reasons that attributed to the initiation of this felicitation project of this magnitude and how it was conceptualized and realized with everybody’s support in order to honour those unforgettable War Heroes. The ceremony lauded invaluable military services of 7 serving Officers and 3 retired Officers who were past Aloysians.
During the first segment of the felicitation, Major General (Retd) Senaka Wickramarathne, Major General (Retd) Palitha Fernando, Major General (Retd) Rathnasiri Ganegoda and Major General (Retd) Nevil Ranjan Lamahewage, currently the Director General, Civil Security Department were invited on stage to receive laurels and separate felicitation plaques that documented their sagas of heroism.
The second segment of felicitation appreciated former Aloysians, Air Vice Marshal Lalith Jayaweera, Rear Admiral Nevil Ubesiri, Major General Sujeewa Hettiarachchi, Major General Chaminda Lamahewa and Major General Dhammi Hewage after inviting them on stage amid roars of applause.
The day’s proceedings reached its climax as the day's Chief Guest, Major General Jagath Kodithuwakku, Chief of Staff of the Sri Lanka Army was invited on stage to receive his memento of felicitation and tribute. Principal and President, Old Boys’ Association were among those who joined the presentation of those laurels to the reputed Aloysian. In his speech of memorable recollections that were unfolded, the day's Chief Guest, Major General Jagath Kodithuwakku after a word of gratitude to the organizers and erstwhile pals, refreshed his golden memories during college days in his reputed alma-mater. He also paid a glowing tribute to the memory of his mentors and teachers, both still alive or dead and cited a couple of noteworthy instances during his childhood at college which he claimed as immortal memories.
Towards the end of the proceedings, Major General Dhammi Hewage, Director General Infantry at the Army HQ in a separate commendation and acknowledgement lauded the bravery of 20 of his classmates who joined the armed forces as Officers after schooling, and exclusively saluted the memory of three of his past classmates (83/86 Group) who made the supreme sacrifice in defence of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the country, namely late Colonel Rizly Meedin, Lieutenant Colonel Priyantha De Silva and Captain Nayanananda Hettiarachchi.
Deputy Principal, Mr Shan Jagoda with his vote of thanks brought the day's felicitation ceremony to culmination.
