SRI LANKA LIGHT INFANTRY ANNNUAL CEREMONY SALUTES AND REMEMBERS FALLEN WAR HEROES
Sri Lanka Light Infantry war heroes who made the supreme sacrifice were honoured, and their dedication including bravery commitment were remembered in the Annual Sri Lanka Light Infantry War Heroes’ Commemoration held on Saturday, 21 Oct 17 near the state-of-the-art-War Heroes’ monument located inside the SLLI Regimental Headquarters at Panagoda.
Lieutenant General NUMMW Senanayake RWP RSP USP psc, the Commander of the Army graced the occasion as the chief guest on invitation made by Major General KADA Karunasekara RWP RSP VSV USP ndu psc the Chief of Staff of the Army and also the Colonel of the Regiment SLLI.
On arrival, the chief guest was warmly welcomed by the Major General KADA Karunasekara RWP RSP VSV USP ndu psc and Senior Sri Lanka Light Infantry Officers including the Centre Commandant SLLI, Brigadier MM Kithsiri RWP RSP USP.
The annual commemorative ceremony in its second consecutive year to remember the 3868 Sri Lanka Light Infantry Fallen War Heroes commenced with the arrival of the Chief Guest amid reverberating \"Ranabera\" rhythms. The singing of the National Anthem solemn formalities were followed by the observances. Religious observances according to Buddhist, Hindu, Christian, and Islamic denominations set afterwards as everybody joined standing in silence before the mammoth SLLI war memorial.
Commander of the Army, the Chief Guest in his commemorative speech saluted the memorial of SLLI Fallen War Heroes. Soon after the first floral wreath was laid by the Commander of the Army, the Colonel of the Regiment SLLI, Senior Officers SLLI, representatives of retired SLLI veterans, parents, children, and next of kin of fallen war heroes followed the floral tribute. Sounding of the Last Post in line with military traditions signaled the end of the commemorative ceremony.
One of a Former Commander of the Army and Colonel of the Regiment of the Sri Lanka Light Infantry General SHS Kottegoda (Rtd) WWV RWP RSP VSV USP ndc, Retired Service Officers, a large gathering of Serving Officers and Other Ranks attended the commemoration.
An all-night Pirith chanting was held whilst offering “Heel Dhana†to the Buddhist monks on following day.
