GAJABA REGIMENT CELEBRATES ITS 35 TH ANNIVERSARY

The Gajaba Regiment, one of the most prestigious regiments in the Sri Lanka Army commemorated its 35th Anniversary yesterday Sunday, 14th October 2018 at the Regimental Centre, Home of Gajaba, Saliyapura, Annuradhapura with series of events adding grandeur and patriotic sentiments to its proud history. Gajaba Regiment was inaugurated on 14 October 1983 having located at the great historic ancient city of Anuradhapura. The Regiment was founded and nurtured by late Major General Vijaya Wimalarathne and became a catalyst at the 30 years prolonged war against the cruel clutches of the LTTE, which resulted 176 officers and 4463 other ranks wounded in action and 171 officers and 4079 sacrificed their lives for the sake of the motherland.

The ceremony is the climax of a series of commemorative anniversary ceremonies that got underway of the last week. The day’s Chief Guest, Major General Shavendra Silva WWV RWP RSP VSV USP ndc psc, the Colonel of the Regiment of the Gajaba Regiment and the Adjutant General of the Army Headquarters was warmly welcomed by the Centre Commandant, Colonel Harendra Peiris RWP RSP USP at his arrival. A Guard Turnout in accordance with military formalities greeted the Chief Guest at the entrance to the Gajaba Regimental Centre. The Colonel of the Regiment also paid his tribute to the “Founder Father of the Gajaba Regiment late Major General Vijaya Wimalarathne by placing a floral wreath at his statute. Then he was invited to accept the salute by the Parade Commander Lieutenant Colonel Sandun Dias in conformity with military traditions presented in his honour. This moment on the itinerary was solemn and dignified since memories would never fade away. Major General Shavendra Silva paved his gratitude during his brief address for those who served bravely including the former Colonels of the Regiment, all officers and men in order to keep the regiments’ pride.

Then the Colonel of the Regiment also participated for the All Ranks Lunch at the Men’s Club in conformity with the tradition of the Gajaba Regiment. Then it was an emotional evening to the Gajaba Regiment where the Colonel of the Regiment was honored to place a floral wreath at the Gajaba Monument in memory of all the officers and other ranks who paid the supreme sacrifice during the line of duty. The event was coincided with a monument parade and the regimental council members, the Centre Commandant, Deputy Centre Commandant, Commanding Officers, Regimental Staff, other ranks and several parents, widowers and children of the fallen Gajaba War Heroes were attended at the event.