16th October 2021 13:13:53 Hours
The Gajaba Regiment, one of the most prestigious Regiments in the Sri Lanka Army commemorated its 38th Anniversary on Thursday, 14 October 2021 at the Gajaba Regimental Centre with series of events.
The Gajaba Regiment was established on 14 October 1983 locating at the great historic ancient city of Anuradhapura. The Regiment was founded and raised by late Major General Vijaya Wimalaratne RWP RSP VSV USP psc. During the 30 years of prolonged fighting against the brutal terrorism in Sri Lanka, 171 Officers and 4079 Other Ranks of the Regiment have made supreme sacrifice while 176 Officers and 4463 Other Ranks were severely wounded and became permanently disable at the fight to bring back peace and harmony to the Motherland.
The evening on 13 October 2021, Commander of the Army recalled the memories of fallen war heroes of the Gajaba Regiment by placing a floral wreath at the Gajaba Monument. In the meantime,Regimental council members, senior officers, Centre Commandant, Deputy Centre Commandant, Regimental Staff Officers andall Commanding Officers also madefloral tribute to the war heroes.
On account of the 38th Anniversary Celebration, the Gajaba Regiment had the privilege of honouringthe Chief of the Army Staff of India, General Manoj Mukund Naravane, PVSM AVSM SM VSM ADC who is currently on a formal visit to SriLanka at the invitation of General Shavendra Silva WWV RWP RSP VSV USP ndc psc MPhil, Chief of Defence Staff, Commander of the Army and Colonel of the Regiment of the Gajaba Regiment.
The Chief Guest was greeted with a Guard Turnout in accordance with military formalities at the entrance of the Gajaba Regimental Centre. Subsequently, he was ushered to receive the salute of the Ceremonial Parade held at the Regimental Parade Ground on his honour. After a while the Indian Army Chief sat for a group photograph together with Keterians’ Council Members, His visit to this most prestigious Regimental Centre was made further memorable after he was invited to plant a ironwood (Naa) sapling in front of the newly inaugurated Office Complex.
Later, the visiting Indian Army Chief was invited for a refreshment at the Officers’ Mess where the Chief Guest had a cordial interaction with the Council members and their spouses, Chairperson Gajaba Seva Vanitha Branch Mrs Sujeewa Nelson and all other officers who were present at the occasion. Theday’s event was culminated with exchange of symbolic mementoes between both Army Chiefsand adding memories and wholehearted compliments on the Visitors’ Book by the Indian Army Chief.
