Sri Lanka Light Infantry Regiment, the oldest Regiment of Sri Lanka Army, ceremonially opened its new museum on 02 March 2017 at the Regimental Centre, Army Cantonment, Panagoda. Major General KADA Karunasekara RWP RSP VSV USP ndu psc the Colonel of the Regiment of Sri Lanka Light Infantry graced the occasion as the Chief Guest.
The Regimental museum was originally installed on 30 January 1974, during then Commanding Officer 1st Battalion Sri Lanka Light Infantry, Lieutenant Colonel HV Athukorale VSV psc FBIM. Under the guideline of Colonel of the Regiment, it was moved to new building which was renovated following standard museum procedures and guidelines provided by the Department of National Museums.
The new museum has many historical items including weaponries, collections of historical photographs, elements of uniforms and equipments, combat helmets, plaques and more importantly the Queen’s and Regimental Colours which were presented on 21st April 1954 by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and President’s Colours and Regimental Colours which were bestowed by then President Hon JR Jayawardena on 10 October 1978.
It is noteworthy to mention the effort taken by the Department of Museums in conservation and restoration of Queen’s and Regimental Colours within 3 months of short period.
Regimental Council members, a large gathering of Officers and other rankers attended for this event. Same time Director of National Museum Mrs Sanuja Kasthuriarachchi, Head of conservation Mrs Nilmini Neththasinghe also attended the occasion.
