16th January 2019 14:21:22 Hours
The Officers Get-together of 10th Battalion, the Gajaba Regiment to commemorate its 25th anniversary was held on 12 January 2019 at the Battalion Headquarters Batticaloa with the presence of Maj Gen Shavendra Silva - Chief of Staff and Colonel of the Regiment of the Gajaba Regiment. His Lordship Rt. Rev Joseph Ponnaiah - Bishop of Batticaloa Diocese, Lt. Gen (retd) Jagath Dias - first Commanding Officer of the Battalion, Maj Gen Aruna Jayasekera - Comd SF East, Mr. Kapila Jayasekara - SDIG Eastern Province and a large gathering of invitees representing Army, Navy, Air Force, Police and distinguished civilians attended the event. The highlight of the evening was the felicitation given to all former Commanding Officers of the Battalion in recognition of their dedicated services rendered in upbringing the Battalion to the present status. A colourful entertainment programme concluded the proceedings.
Prior to the Officers Get-together, series of events were organized by the Officers and Other Ranks of the 10th Battalion, the Gajaba Regiment to mark the anniversary. Religious observances of major denominations, Buddhist, Christian, Hindu and Islamic faiths were administered by respective religious dignitaries. It commenced with the Pirith Chanting and Alms Giving held at the Battalion Headquarters.
Subsequently, Hindu religious activities were conducted at the Mamangama Kovil, Islam religious activities at the Batticaloa Jummah Masjid Mosque and Catholic religious activities at St. Mary’s Cathedral Batticaloa in order to invoke blessings for demise War Heros, those wounded in action and still recovering, members of the Battalion and their families.
A Blood Donation Campaign was organized at the Battalion Headquarters with the volunteer participation of military personnel and civilians in order to donate their blood to the Blood Bank, Batticaloa Teaching Hospital. Around 120 individuals including Clergy, military personnel and a substantial number of civilians donated blood for this noble cause. On the same day a mid-day meal was provided to children at Harry Children’s Home, Batticaloa followed by presenting of school items to the children.
Anniversary celebrations commenced on 7 January 2019 with the Commanding Officer, Lt. Col Ruwan Ehelepola, taking a salute in the formal Guard Turnout followed by a Ceremonial Parade at the Headquarters premises. The proceedings also included an All Ranks lunch with the participation of all the Officers and Other Ranks of the Battalion. At the end of the day’s programme, an entertainment session with a musical show was held during evening hours. All former Regimental Sergeant Majors of the Battalion were felicitated during the evening programme.