15th October 2023 22:25:18 Hours
The Gajaba Regiment, one of the most prestigious Regiments of the Sri Lanka Army commemorated its 40th Anniversary on Saturday,14 October 2023 at the Gajaba Regimental Centre with series of events, starting with multi-religious flag blessing ceremonies held on 04 October 2023, All -Night Pirith Chanting event on 12 October 2023 which was followed by and Alms Giving to the members of Maha Sanga.
The commemoration of War Heroes of the Gajaba Regiment was the very significant event among the series of events held on account of the 40 Anniversary, that took place at the War Heroes monument in the evening hours of 13 October where the Commander of the Army and Colonel of the Regiment, Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage RWP RSP ndu was honoured to place a floral wreath at the Gajaba Monument in memory of all the Officers and Other Ranks of the Regiment who made supreme sacrifice for the sake of Motherland.
In the meantime, Regimental Council Members, Senior Officers, Centre Commandant, Deputy Centre Commandant, Regimental Staff Officers and all Commanding Officers, Officers and Regimental Sergeant Major, Other Ranks, children and relatives of the fallen Gajaba War Heroes also made floral tribute to the War Memorial.
During the 30 years of prolonged fighting against brutal terrorism in the country, 171 Officers and 4068 Other Ranks of the Regiment have laid down their precious lives 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.
On the Anniversary day, 14 Saturday the Commander of the Army and Colonel of the Regiment greeted with a Guard Turnout in accordance with military formalities at the entrance of the Gajaba Regimental Centre, where the Deputy Centre Commandant, Colonel Roshan Kalupahana RSP USP warmly welcomed the Chief Guest. Then,he paid his tribute to the “Founder Father” of the Gajaba Regiment late Major General Vijaya Wimalaratne by placing a floral wreath at his statue. Subsequently, he was ushered to accept the salute of the colorful ceremonial parade by the Centre Commandant Brigadier Wishwajith Vidyananda RWP RSP USP and the Chief Guest reviewed the elegantly dressed parade, composed of 19 Officers and 427 Other Ranks representing all Battalions along with proudly paraded Regimental Colours and he took the salute from the special dais and that was followed by a group photograph with the Chief Guest.
Afterwards, the newly constructed “KING KETERIAN THE LEGACY SUITE” which comprises of 6 luxury rooms was ceremonially declared open by the Army Chief by symbolically unveiling the opening plaque and added memories to the day by planting an sandalwood (Sandun) sapling in the compound.
At the culmination of series of events held on account of the 40 Anniversary, an All Ranks Lunch, was held with the participation of Commander of the Army and Colonel of the Regiment, Regimental council members, Centre Commandant, Regimental Staff Officers and Commanding Officers, Senior Officers, Officers, Regimental Sergeant Major and all Unit Regimental Sergeant Majors along with a gathering of Other Ranks representing all the Gajaba Battalions.
