Sri Lanka Artillery Marks its 126th Regimental Anniversary with Commander as Chief Guest.
One of the oldest Regiments in the Army, Sri Lanka Artillery, more popularly known as \'Gunners\' marked its historic 126th Anniversary on Sunday (April 20) during a series of commemorative celebrations, inclusive of an all-night Pirith Chanting and Memorial Event. The day\'s commemorative events took place at the Artillery Regimental Headquarters, Panagoda.
The day\'s proceedings started as the Chief Guest Lieutenant General Daya Ratnayake in the company of Mrs Damayanthi Ratnayake, President Sri Lanka Army Sevavanitha Unit arrived at the venue. Major General Jagath Rambukpotha, Colonel Commandant welcomed the Commander while Mrs Rambukpotha received the lady, Mrs Damayanthi Ratnayake.
Later on, the visiting Army Chief received honours at a Guard Turn Out accorded by soldiers of the Sri Lanka Artillery (SLA).
The SLA War Hero monument then attracted the attention as the visiting Commander laid a flower wreath on it and took a keen interest to read all the names of fallen War Heroes being inscribed. It was a moving moment for all who have gathered there. Parents, spouses and next of kin of fallen War Heroes, with flowers held in their hands lined up next and paid their tributes to their memories. The moment remained solemn and dignified with tears pouring as the foot of the monument, gradually draped in multi-coloured bouquets of flowers.
The Pirith chanting ceremony later in the same evening was attended by all regimental senior and junior officers as well as other ranks.
