21st October 2021 18:09:50 Hours
78th Anniversary of the Corps of Signals was celebrated on 19 Oct 2021 observing the laid down Government protocols for COVID-19 at the Home of Signals, Panagoda. The occasion was grazed by the Chief Signals Offr of the Army and the Col Comdt of the Corps of Signals Maj Gen Asoka Peiris.
The Corps of Signal was inaugurated on 19 Oct 1943, but its history dates back to the era of the First World War. Since its inception, the Corps of Signals has played a pivotal role in communication field of the Army especially during military operations until the end of Humanitarian operations and to the nation whenever support is needed overcoming all its challenges successfully across the entire communication spectrum re-affirming their motto - ‘Swift and Sure’.
With the directions and guidance of General Shavendra Silva, Head of National Operation Centre for Prevention of COVID-19 Outbreak, Chief of Defence Staff and Commander of the Army, Corps of Signals was able to extend its support to the COVID – 19 vaccination program of the nation successfully thereby playing a major role in the Army’s response to the Pandemic.
The leadership given by its forefathers and untiring efforts by all past and present Offrs and men, let the Corps to become what it is today: developing infrastructure facilities, expanding the organization, developing the skills of its Offrs and men, obtaining and improving the equipment to suit the present day challenges. The Corps of Signals is extremely proud of its heritage and equally proud of where it stands today as an inclusive and forward-thinking organization.
Today, the Corps of Signals is well poised to exploit the state-of-the-art modern communication technologies for meeting the requirements of the Sri Lanka Army and to operate in a multi – dimensional threat environment.
As part of the 78th Anniversary itinerary, priority was given to the fallen war heroes of the Corps and paid the tribute to them at the Regimental War Heroes’ Monument on 15 Oct 2021. Chief Guest, Senior Officers, Commanding Officers, Regimental Sergeant Majors and very few relations of fallen War Heroes were among the attendees who laid floral wreaths at the monument.
Religious observances of major denominations, Buddhist, Christian, Hindu and Islamic faiths were then administered by respective religious clergy, invited to the occasion. Merits were then transferred by the clergy to the souls of late War Heroes while invoking blessings on the injured, retired and serving Signals members and their families.
As dusk fell, the all night Pirith chanting ceremony (by 17 Buddhist monks) in the premises was underway with the participation of the Colonel Commandant Corps of Signals Maj Gen Asoka Peiris along with Mrs Sajeewani Peiris, President Signal seva vanitha branch and Senior Officers, their’ Spouse. On 16 Oct early morning, the offer of ‘Heel Daana’ (breakfast) to those monks at the Home of Signals and culminated the first itinerary.
Tuesday on 19 Oct 2021, Regimental Day ceremony at Signals Regimental Centre premises Panagoda got to a start with the arrival of the Chief Signal Officer of the Army and the Colonel Commandant Corps of Signals, Maj Gen Asoka Peiris, who was greeted to a Guard Turnout salute at the entrance to the Regtl HQ SLSC. The Chief Guest was received by Brigadier Sudantha Fonseka, Centre Commandant SLSC.
A group photograph and refreshments at the SLSC premises, led the Chief Signal Officer and the Colonel Commandant SLSC to address Signal Officers who had gathered there.
During the All Ranks Lunch, Senior Officers distributed trophies to unit achievements in sports for past two years and then Colonel Commandant appreciated outstanding personnel in the corps, by offering Regtl colours to them and presenting trophies for the best regiment in year 2020 & 2021. Finally, Chief Guest addressed the gathering. Maj Gen Lalith Herath, Deputy Commandant DSCSC, Brig GS SF HQ (Central), Centre Commandant, Senior Officers, Regimental Sergeant Majors and Other Ranks participated the event.
