Sri Lanka Army Celebrates 75 Years of Service

The Sri Lanka Army marked its 75^th Anniversary today (10 October) at the Panagoda Army Cantonment. This milestone commemorates its sustained efforts against terrorism, which have brought lasting peace to the nation after more than three decades of conflict. The Army pledged to continue its role as a leading guarantor of national security.

Fluttering multi-coloured flags, including the Army flag, regimental flags, and those of various formations, presented a dramatic backdrop for the day's formal spectacle. Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage RWP RSP ndu, Commander of the Army, graced the event as the Chief Guest.

In accordance with military tradition, the day's Chief Guest was warmly welcomed by Centre Commandant of the Sri Lanka Light Infantry Regiment (SLLI) and then accorded a Guard Turnout by SLLI troops.

Minutes after the honours, the Army Chief arrived at the entrance to the SLLI parade ground along with Mrs Janaki Liyanage, President of the Army Seva Vanitha Unit. Major General W.P.A.D.W Nanayakkara RSP VSV USP ndu, Chief of Staff, together with Major General C.S. Munasinghe WWV RWP RSP USP ndc psc IG, Adjutant General, extended a warm welcome and ushered him to commence the day's proceedings by first hoisting the Army Flag.

Following this, the Army Song was recited, and attendees observed a two-minute silence to honour the memory of all fallen War Heroes. Their legacy of bravery and sacrifice is deeply embedded in the annals of the Army and holds a significant place in Sri Lanka's history.

This year's Army Day parade was commanded by Major General A.H.L.G Amarapala RWP RSP ndc psc, Commander, Security Forces (West) and Colonel Commandant of Sri Lanka Engineers, together with Brigadier G.A.T. Godewatte RWP RSP, Centre Commandant of the Gajaba Regiment, as the Parade Second-in-Command. The parade was comprised of 75 Officers and 626 Other Ranks from all 25 Regiments, along with Colour Squads.

After the Chief Guest reviewed the parade, troops saluted the Commander of the Army in accordance with military traditions. In another gesture of remembrance, the day's Chief Guest, Chief of Staff and Deputy Chief of Staff pinned the newly introduced Sri Lanka Army 75^th Anniversary Commemoration Medal on 35 Officers and 25 Other Ranks, following the reading of specific notification issued by HE the President on the launching of the 75^th Army Anniversary Commemoration medal.

Next, the Army Chief pinned the Army Commander's Commendation Badge on selected Army personnel, including 02 Officers and 07 Other Ranks, who have made the organisation proud with their dedicated performance over the past year. The laureates were distinguished achievers in bravery, honesty and commitment to national emergencies, and duty without regard for their own safety.

In his address, the Commander of the Army honoured all former commanders, wounded and fallen War Heroes, active Officers, Other Ranks, civil employees and their families, encouraging all ranks to continue their good work and dedication for the benefit of the nation. He emphasised that the Army will always be dedicated to safeguarding national security, safety and citizens' welfare while upholding the democratic process and the Constitution.

Former Commanders of the Army, former Chiefs of Staff, and former Deputy Chiefs of Staff, attended the event with their spouses. Chief of Staff, Deputy Chief of Staff, Commandant of the Sri Lanka Army Volunteer Force, Principal Staff Officers, Security Force Commanders, Officers, spouses of Senior Officers, and Other Ranks also participated in the event.