Commander extols achievements and salutes troops on Army Day

Colombo: Marking another milestone in the annals of the Sri Lanka Army, Army Commander Lieutenant General Sarath Fonseka, in his address on Army Day, yesterday and its 59th anniversary, commended all his soldiers on achievements made by the Army for the sake of the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The Sri Lanka Army last morning marked its annual Army Day and 59th Anniversary after it was officially raised in 1949. A series of commemorative events, giving pride of place to religious and humanitarian services, got off to a start on October 4 at Anuradhapura Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi after all the Army flags were blessed.

Other poojas, prayers and services of the Hindu, Catholic and Islamic denominations and various other special programmes at provincial levels followed.

Yesterday’s event at the Army Headquarters marked the climax as hundreds of senior officers and other ranks thronged to listen to their 18th Commander at a time when the country is on its way to getting rid of terrorism for ever.

The day’s proceedings commenced after Lieutenant General Sarath Fonseka inspected the Guard Turnout at the entrance to the main building at his office premises.

The Commander later received the Guard of Honour, accorded by troops of Gajaba Regiment (GR) in conformity with age-old military traditions.

Lt. Gen. Fonseka later on hoisted the Army Flag to the tunes of auspicious drums. The Army Song, “Sagarayen wata - me mage mau rata.... Rakimu sada”, As the clock struck 9.13 a.m. religious observances of major Buddhist, Catholic, Hindu and Islamic denominations commenced after administering Pansil. The Commander offered Pirikara and other tokens of appreciation to members of the clergy to symbolize the Army’s gratitude to them.

Two minutes silence was then observed in memory of the fallen War Heroes and others who went missing in action, in their sacred mission of defending the Motherland. The Commander in his customary address called upon all Army personnel to maintain the highest standards of professionalism and discipline.

Lt. Gen. Fonseka accompanied by President of the Army Seva Vanitha Branch Anoma Fonseka visited the Colombo Military Hospital and distributed gifts to injured personnel.