24 INFANTRY DIVISION CELEBRATES ITS 10 TH ANNIVERSARY

The 24 Infantry Division proudly celebrated its 10th Anniversary on 27 November 2023, marking yet another milestone in its eventful history. A series of anniversary events were organized in this regard on the directions of the General Officer Commanding of the 24 Infantry Division, Major General W Chandrasiri RSP USP psc.

The Division at first enthusiastically conducted ‘Shramadana’ campaigns at Sri SambodhiRukkaramaya Viharaya at Dadayanthalawa, Pariwara Deegawapi Maha Viharaya, Vilavadi Vinayagar Kovil in Malwatte, Majeedpura Jummma Mosque and Sori Kalmunai Holy Cross Church during 22,23,24 and 25 November 2023 respectively.

Likewise, the 24 Infantry Division initiated another humanitarian intervention in line with the forthcoming 10th anniversary in order to support the sick in hospitals. A blood donation campaign that got underway in collaboration with the Blood Bank in Ampara District General Hospital on 24 November 2023 was joined by 60 troops, including Officers and Other Ranks.

On the same day (24), a sumptuous lunch treat was given to 25 adults in the ‘Sarana’ Elders’ Home in Ampara before alms (Sangika Danaya) were offered to 15 monks at the Deegawapiya Rajamaha Viharaya on 26 November 2023. A ‘Bodhi Puja Pinkama’ that followed in the same evening at the temple premises inside the 24 Infantry Division Headquarters compound invoked blessings on the Division, the Army and all the troops.

Furthermore, adding variety to the anniversary commemoration, the troops in the Division joined a cricket tournament in the playground at the 24 Infantry Division Headquarters. The preliminary matches were played on 24-25 November 2023 before the final match kicked off on 25 November 2023.

In accordance with military traditions, the General Officer Commanding, 24 Infantry Division, Major General W Chandrasiri RSP USP psc, was honoured in a Guard Turnout and a Guard of Honour, presented by 11 (V) Battalion of Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment troops on the anniversary day (27 November). It followed the planting of a sapling, a group photograph and a troop address.

While addressing the troops, the General Officer Commanding of the 24 Infantry Division recalled several milestones in the history of the 24 Infantry Division and commended commitments and performances of all Officers and Other Ranks. To coincide with the anniversary day, the General Officer Commanding, all Officers and Other Ranks in the Division Headquarters attended an All Rank lunch bringing commemorative anniversary events to a climax. As dusk fell, a musical evening entertaining the troops got underway in the premises as the final feature of the anniversary events.

The Commander, Security Forces-East, Major General M K U P Gunaratne RSP ndu psc IG graced as the Chief Guest for the musical entertainment. 241 and 243 Brigade Commanders and Commanding Officers of the 24 Infantry Division also attended the musical evening. Family members of Officers, Other Ranks,15 retired Ex-Army personal and troops of sister services serving the area also joined the musical arrangement.

Meanwhile, a special lunch was also served to the civil employees working at the 24 Infantry Division Headquarters on 01st December 2023 as an appreciation of their hard work and dedicated services.