23rd December 2021 09:43:35 Hours
Artillery Colours Night 2015/2021, which is one of the much-anticipated and glamorous event, conducted first time in the history of the Regiment of Sri Lanka Artillery on 12 December 2021 at Nelum Pokuna Mahinda Rajapaksha Theatere. The Chief of Defence Staff and the Commander of the Army General Shavendra Silva WWV RWP RSP VSV USP ndc psc MPhil graced the occasion as the chief guest with the invitation of Deputy Chief of Staff of Sri Lanka Army and Colonel Commandant of the Regiment of Sri Lanka Artillery Major General Sampath Kotuwegoda ndc IG.
The event was organized under the guidance of Major General Sampath Kotuwegoda ndc IG, to appreciate the sports talents and skills displayed by Gunners during the years from 2015 to 2021 at inter-regiment, regimental, defence services, national and international levels, with the objective of encouraging them to enhance their sporting talents and to elevate themselves to national and international levels.
On arrival, the Chief Guest was welcomed by Major General Sampath Kotuwegoda ndc IG. Lighting of the traditional oil lamp, observance of a two-minute silence in honour of fallen War Heroes, recital of the Artillery song, followed by eye-catching entertaining cultural and dancing feats, coloured the evening. Major General Sampath Kotuwegoda ndc IG, delivered the welcome speech. In this ceremony, 248 sports men were awarded colours for 27 sports events. At the end of session 1, the Chief Guest addressed the gathering. Prior to the Chief Guest Departure, Colonel Commandant presented a memento to the chief guest and marked the end of 1st session.
After 1st session, another selected crowd of achievers awarded with colours and continued the event. During 2nd Session special awards presented to General (Retd) H Wanasinghe VSV USP ndc and Late Brigadier PR Liyanage RWP RSP USP in appreciation of valuable contribution to uplift sports in the Regiment of Artillery. Brigadier DP Welagedara RSP USP psc IG, Commander Artillery Brigade, delivered the vote of thanks at the end of the event and marked the end of Artillery Colours Night 2015-2021.
The event took place with strictly adhering to the health guidance given to prevent the COVID 19 pandemic.
