02nd January 2025 18:08:01 Hours
Amid formalities, with greetings, troops at the Sri Lanka School of Military Engineering (SLSME) greeted the first working day of the New Year-2025 with customary flag-hoisting, the reading of the state allegiance oath, recital of the National anthem, Army song, and interactions as major features of the day's simple arrangement on Wednesday, 01 January 2025 morning.
The day's proceedings commenced with the arrival of the Commandant of the Sri Lanka School of Military Engineering Colonel J A C S Jagoda psc to grace the occasion. To mark the start, Colonel Chamika Jagoda psc hoisted the National flag and the Army flag was hoisted by the Chief Instructor Major LLCS Cabraal psc SLE.
The day began with a green initiative that sets the tone for the year ahead. The Officers and Other Rank troops of the SLSME gathered in the morning for the ceremonial planting of 500 vegetable plants within the camp premises. This eco-conscious activity in lined with the government concept, “Clean Sri Lanka” and the event highlights its commitment to sustainability and contributes to the nationwide efforts toward environmental preservation.
Following the morning's activities, the atmosphere shifted to the All Ranks Tea, which is a longstanding tradition at the SLSME. This event brought together Officers and Other Rank staff to celebrate the dawn of the New Year 2025.
In keeping with the strong Buddhist traditions, the troops took part in the Alms Giving presented to the Venerable “Maha Sangha” who participated in the Pirith chanting, continuing the spiritual significance of the occasion as another event of the New Year celebrations. The ceremony served as a reminder of the importance of mindfulness and spirituality, reinforcing the role of discipline and ethics in the military and daily life.
As the day progresses, the focus shifted to the sports field, where the SLSME hosted its highly anticipated evening Cricket Tournament. This event, opened to all members of the training school, was a fun and competitive way to encourage teamwork and physical fitness of troops.
Few days prior to formal celebrations that traditionally accompany the dawn of the New Year 2025, the SLSME troops took part in an unforgettable “Games Night”. The evening was designed to foster a sense of unity and to ensure that the bond among the soldiers was as strong as their commitment to their country.
The series of events on the 2025 New Year’s Day at the Sri Lanka School of Military Engineering reflects the institution’s holistic approach to development. The combination of unique traditions, environmental action, spiritual practice, social interaction, and sports allows all members to reflect on the past year while embracing the promise of the year ahead. Through these activities, the institute emphasizes the values of service, unity, sustainability, and wellbeing principles that will guide its students and staff throughout the coming year.
