21st February 2023 14:28:01 Hours
The Sri Lanka Armoured Corps (SLAC) Regiment's first-ever inducting 'Colours Night' which recognizes and appreciates unique sports skills of 75 cavalrymen out of 477 eligible sportsmen was staged on Monday (20) evening at Kotalawala Defence University auditorium before a distinguished gathering, headed by Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage, Commander of the Army as the Chief Guest.
Lighting of the traditional oil lamp, recital of the National anthem and the Army song, observance of a two-minute silence in honour of fallen War Heroes and the welcome note, delivered by Major General D.B.S.N Bothota RWP RSP VSV USP psc, SLAC Colonel Commandant set the stage ready for the day's proceedings soon after the day's Chief Guest was received in a warm welcome upon his arrival there.
Amidst roaring applause, SLAC sports achievers who performed extremely well at International, National and Army level sports events were awarded the Colours by General Jagath Jayasuriya (Rtd) RWP VSV USP ndu psc, the former Chief of Defence Staff and the Commander of the Army, together with Major General W A S S Wanasinghe RSP VSV USP ndu, Commandant, Sri Lanka Army Volunteer Force and Major General D B S N Bothota RWP RSP VSV USP psc, Colonel Commandant - SLAC.
Thereafter, the Commander of the Army was accompanied to the stage by the SLAC Colonel Commandant to present awards to the special award recipients who have performed exceptionally well and to present “Armour Legends” – Lifetime Achievement Awards, as the highlight of the night.
Adding a noteworthy presence to the occasion of historical importance to the SLAC flagship event, Mrs Jayanthi Daluwatta, the widow of former Chief of Defence Staff and Commander of the Army General Rohan Daluwatte WWV RWP RSP VSV USP ndc psc and Mrs Lali Kobbekaduwa, the widow of the reputed War Hero of contemporary times, Lieutenant General Denzil Kobbekaduwa RWP RSP VSV USP rcds psc accepted ‘Armour Legends - Life Time Achievers Awards’ for their spouses’ excellence in basketball and rugby respectively during their service to the Army.
In appreciation of his presence in the event, the Colonel Commandant SLAC presented a replica of a battle tank to the Army Chief which he also reciprocated. Soon after, setting an encouraging precedence the Commander of the Army presented a cash gift of Rs. 1 million towards the SLAC for further promoting the sporting skills in future too. The cash gift was accepted by the SLAC Colonel Commandant.
In his brief, but inspiring speech, the Army Chief commended all the sportsmen of SLAC who flew the Army and SLAC flags high in the local and international sports arena with their accomplishments and ensured his constant support. The day's proceedings brought to culmination with a group photograph.
The first inaugural SLAC event, coloured with a variety of entertaining features of high standards was organized under the supervision and guidance of Major General D.B.S.N Bothota RWP RSP VSV USP psc, the SLAC Colonel Commandant, Brigadier W P Kariyawasam, the Armoured Brigade Commander and Brigadier P N Wijesiriwardena RSP USP, the SLAC Centre Commandant.
Senior officers, Mrs Janaki Liyanage, President, Army Seva Vanitha Unit, officers and a large gathering of distinguished guests witnessed the 'Colours Night'.
