1 CORPS MARKS THE 1ST ANNIVERSARY

One of the most prestigious field formations of Sri Lanka Army, the 1 Corps was proudly celebrated its 1st Anniversary in a glamorous manner in Kilinochchi.

In a series of events had been included in the anniversary programme, troops of 1 Corps were blessed with religious activities conducted in Jumma mosque at Kilinochchi, Kanagambigai Hindu Temple at Iranamadu, St Theresa Church at Kilinochchi on 10 October 2022 and an all-night Pirith chanting ceremony on 15 October 2022 at the HQ 1 Corps which concluded with “Heel Daana” to Maha Sangha.

To mark the day of 1st anniversary of 1 Corps, the Commander of 1 Corps, Major General Crishantha Gnanaratne addressed the troops of 1 Corps at “Nelum Piyasa” in Kilinochchi on 17 October 2022. At the end of the same, certificates for runners-up of the sport tournaments of Cricket, Soccer, Elle, Volleyball, Tug of War, Combat Firing Meet and Marathon held with the participation of troops of 1 Corps were awarded before the tea attended by all-ranks.

As the major event of 1st anniversary, the Commander of the Army, Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage visited the 1 Corps on 21 Oct 2022. He was warmly welcome by Commander 1 Corps followed by the Guard Turn Out and the Parade presented by troops of 53 Inf Div, 58 Inf Div, Commando Bde and Special Force Bde.

Beginning the programme of the day, formation commanders and Staff of 1 Corps appeared for group photographs with the Commander of the Army, before he marked his visit to 1 corps by planting a sapling at the Headquarters premises.

The Commander of the Army was attended as the Chief Invitee of the main event of the day to distribute scholarships to school children who have done well in the GCE (O/L) examination in 2021, to award certificates to students those who were successes in Art Competition conducted by the 1 Corps to marks its 1st anniversary, where he able to shared his thoughts about the future of them, to award trophies and certificates for champions of sport tournaments and more significantly to release the 1 Corps Song at “Nelum Piyasa” in Kilinochchi.

Thereafter, the Commander of the Army addressed the troops of the 1 Corps highlighting the roll of 1 Corps which goes with its moto 'Swift, Vigour, Bravery'. He also mentioned about the importance of all-time preparedness to meet any challenges in term of national security, natural disaster or otherwise. Subsequent to the troops address, mementoes were exchanged to make the occasion as memorable followed by an all-ranks tea. Concluding the formal programme of the day, the Commander of the Army was attended at the inauguration ceremony of the New Corporal’s Club of 1 Corps.

Finally, the 1st anniversary programme of 1 Corps was successfully concluded with a musical night attended by all ranks.

Major General TJ Kodithuwakku RWP RSP ndu, Chief of Staff, Major General DGS Senarath Yapa, RWP RSP ndu, Commandant- SLAVF, Major General WASS Wanasinghe RSP USP ndu, Commander - Security Forces (Mullaittivu), Major General MGWWWMCB Wickramasinghe RWP RSP ndu psc, the Adjutant General, Division Commanders, senior staff officers of Headquarters 1 Corps, Brigade commanders, Commanding officers, staff officers /other officers and other ranks of Headquarters and under command formations of 1 Corps attended for the event.