16th October 2019 18:37:33 Hours
The Gajaba Regiment, one of the most prestigious Regiments in the Sri Lanka Army commemorated its 36th Anniversary on Monday, 14 October 2019 at the Regimental Centre, Home of Gajaba, Saliyapura, with series of events adding grandeur and patriotic sentiments to its proud history.
The Gajaba Regiment was established on 14 October 1983 locating at the great historic ancient city of Anuradhapura. The Regiment was found and nurtured by late Major General Vijaya Wimalaratne and it became a catalyst at the 30 years prolonged war against the cruel clutches of the LTTE, which resulted 176 officers and 4463 other rankers to be wounded in action and at the same time, 171 officers and 4079 other rankers sacrificed their lives on behalf of the motherland.
This celebration was the climax of the series of commutative anniversary ceremonies that got underway during the last week.The day’s Chief Guest, Lieutenant General Shavendra Silva WWV RWP RSP VSV USP ndc psc, The Commander of the Sri Lanka Army, Colonel of the Regiment, Gajaba Regiment and Special Forces were warmly welcomed by the Centre Commandant Colonel Mahinda Rajapaksha RWP RSP USP upon his arrival.
13 October 2019, became an emotional evening to the Gajaba Regiment where the Commander of the Army was honoured to place a floral wreath at the Gajaba Monument in memory of all the officers and other rankers who rewarded the supreme sacrifice during the line of duty. The event was coincided with a monument parade where the Regimental council members, senior officers, Centre commandant, Deputy Centre commandant, Regimental staff officers, Commanding officers, Other rankers and several parents, widowers and children of the fallen Keteriyans also attended with.
Thereafter, the evening was remarked with the blessings of a Pirith Chanting ceremony which was held at Jaya Sri Maha Bodhiya premises for the on duty officers, other rankers and also for the officers and other rankers who sacrificed their lives during the war.
On the anniversary day, the Chief Guest was greeted with a Guard Turnout in accordance with military formalities at the entrance of the Gajaba Regimental Centre. Then, the Commander paid his tribute to the “Founder Father” of Gajaba Regiment late Major General Vijaya Wimalaratne by placing a floral wreath at his statue. Subsequently, he was ushered to accept the salute by a Guard of Honour at parade ground. Finally, the Ceremony was winded up by an Alms giving Ceremony for 56 Buddhist Monks at Home of Gajaba.
