13th October 2023 20:36:23 Hours
The all-night ‘Pirith’ chanting and offer of alms, the forerunner to the 40th anniversary commemoration of the Gajaba Regiment (GR) aka the GR Regimental Day (14 October) got underway at the ‘Home of Keterians’ at Saliyapura, Anuradhapura during 12-13 October with the participation of Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage RWP RSP ndu, Commander of the Army, Mrs Janaki Liyanage, President, Army Seva Vanitha Unit, family members of fallen and injured GR War Heroes, veterans, Senior Officers, Other Ranks and a representative gathering of invitees.
A colour-rich procession, composed of traditional dancers, together with the sacred relic casket (Karanduwa) and the book of old scriptures (Pirivana Potha) ushered venerable members of the Maha Sangha to the octagon (Pirith Mandapaya) where chanting took place on Thursday night (12 October) after a customary oration (Anushasana) was delivered by the senior Buddhist monk in the group who immensely praised the vital role played by the Colonel of the Regiment of GR as the Commander of Army in this critical period in the nation's history.
Venerable members of the Maha Sangha also invoked blessings on all fallen and wounded War Heroes and the Regiment for its future prospects. A large gathering of Senior Officers including Deputy Chief of Staff of the Army, Security Force Commanders, General Officers Commanding, Brigade Commanders, GR Centre Commandant, Officers and Other Ranks were associated with the 'Pirith' chanting ceremony.
The following morning (13 Oct) saw more than 20 Buddhist monks, including those who participated in the overnight chanting arriving at the venue for the alms-giving.
Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage, Commander of the Army and Colonel of the Regiment of GR after offering 'Buddha Pooja' joined the offer of alms to the members of the Maha Sangha, together with Mrs Janaki Liyanage and others. He also carried the relic casket to be placed at the venue before religious rites and rituals commenced.
Gajaba Regiment which has actively contributed to all major military operations conducted against separatist terrorism since its birth until the culmination of the humanitarian operations in May 2009 has selflessly sacrificed for the defence of the country.
171 heroic Officers and 4068 brave Other Ranks of the GR in order to make a better tomorrow for all of us have made the supreme sacrifice while 307 Officers and 5646 Other Ranks sustained permanent injuries.
Since 2009, all Battalions of the Regiment are carrying out diverse military operations and nation-building tasks with their inherent audacity and dedication.
