24th February 2019 20:00:02 Hours
The inauguration ceremony of newly constructed Hydrotherapy Swimming Pool at Headquarter Battalion the Gajaba Regiment, Senapura Camp was held on Saturday, 23 February 2019. The total cost of construction (33 mn) was patronaged by Ladies Chapter of the Chamber of Young Lankan Entrepreneurs (COYLE), chaired by Mrs. Shehani Piyasena at the request of Mrs. Sujeewa Nelson, the President of Gajaba Seva Vanitha Branch and at the invitation of Major General Shavendra Silva WWV RWP RSP VSV USP ndc psc, the Chief of Staff of the Sri Lanka Army also the Colonel of the Regiment – GR.
The Gajaba Regiment as one of the premier infantry outfits of the Sri Lanka Army has shown the epitome of valour, courage and sacrifices for the sake of motherland during its 35 years long yet proud history. This valiant Regiment bears the highest number of battle casualties and supreme sacrifices in liberating the country from cruel clutches of LTTE. Thus, Gajaba War Heroes who turned either physically or mentally handicapped taken care by Headquarter Battalion of the Gajaba Regiment since its establishment on 27 May 1994.
Hon. Sarath Ekanayake, the Governor of North Central Province as the Chief Guest representing, HE the President and Lieutenant General Mahesh Senanayake RWP RSP VSV USP USACGSC, the Commander of the Army graced the occasion and received a lavish warm welcome by the Colonel of the Regiment, GR and the President of the Gajaba Seva Vanitha Branch on their arrival at Senapura Camp this morning.
The Chief Guest, the Commander of the Army together with distinguished invitees accompanied by the Colonel of the Regiment GR visited the wards and looked into the wellbeing of inmates who are undergoing rehabilitation at Senapura Camp. Then the climax of the day's programme began with paying respect to National anthem and Gajaba Song at the newly constructed poolside. The Governor, Commander of the Army, Chief of Staff, President of the Gajaba Seva Vanitha Branch and the Chairperson of the COYLE then invited to cut a ribbon and pour pirith water to the pool while Maha Sangha invoked blessings by chanting Seth pirith and the much-needed facility was declared vested in those Gajaba War Heroes.
Then the new swimming pool was formally handed over to Colonel of the Regiment, GR by COYLE representatives. The Chief of Staff of the Sri Lanka Army and the Colonel of Regiment, GR Major General Shavendra Silva then addressed the audience to appreciate the generosity extended by the Ladies Chapter of COYLE he also did not forget to remind the unprecedented sacrifices of ranks and files produced by the Gajaba Regiment and their remarkable contribution to the nation. The Hon. Sarath Ekanayake was also addressed the gathering and appreciated the unparalleled bravery of Gajaba War Heroes and their service rendered to the nation. Later, the Commander of the Army was invited to present a memento to Mrs Shehani Piyasena as a token of appreciation for the great thoughtfulness and generosity of Ladies Chapter of COYLE.
The Regimental Council Members, Regimental Centre Commandant Brigadier Harendra Peiris RWP RSP USP, Deputy Centre Commandant, several other senior officers, Other Ranks, school children and villagers of the area also were present at the occasion. Towards the end of the ceremony, the selected school principals were given some valuable sports items packs for their schools.
