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06th April 2025 14:57:32 Hours
Sri Lanka Army Volunteer Force, the second largest establishment in the Army which was established on 01 st April 1881 proudly celebrated its 144th Anniversary on 01 st April 2025 under the auspicious of Major General D K S K Dolage USP nps psc, the Commandant of the Sri Lanka Army Volunteer Force (SLAVF). The anniversary programme included a series of events of military, social and religious.
Accordingly, the first working day of month of April was marked coincide with the anniversary day.The anniversary celebrations reached the apex with formal military tradition a guard turnout and an elegant guard of honour accorded to the Commandant Major General D K S K Dolage USP nps psc at the parade ground of SLAVF by the troops of the Sri Lanka National Guard. He was warmly received and ushered to the saluting dais by Brigadier B M R J Bandara, Deputy Commandant (Overlooking), SLAVF.
The day was followed by an All Ranks lunch with participation of Senior Officers, Officers and Other Ranks of the Headquarters of the Volunteer Force to inculcate spirit of camaraderie and fellowship among the ranks.
This year's simple yet dignified anniversary ceremonies, commencing on 24 March 2025 by giving prominence to religious observances of all faiths. Accordingly, the series of religious activities commenced with a special mass conducted by reverend parish priest at Our Lady of Assumption Church, Hanwella.
A representative gathering of Officers and Other Ranks of the Islamic faith in the Sri Lanka Army Volunteer Force joined a special prayer session conducted by the Chief Moulavi at Jumma Masjid Mosque Hanwella in the evening on 24 th March 2025 to invoke blessings for the 144 th Anniversary as part of the multi-religious observances.
The traditional ‘Pirith’ chanting ceremony, marking the final religious observance for the SLAVF’s 144 th Anniversary was held at SLAVF premises on 27 March 2025. The event was attended by Major General D K S K Dolage USP nps psc, the Commandant of the SLAVF, along with Senior Officers, officers, other ranks and civil staff of the SLAVF.
A Pirith Chanting Ceremony commenced with carrying the sacred relic casket, and symbolically offered the traditional tray of betel to the Maha Sangha, inviting them to begin the chanting to invoke blessings on the anniversary.
The Venerable Chief incumbent of the Akaravita Temple together with nine monks played the key role of the religious event. The Pirith Chanting Ceremony was followed by an alms giving to Maha Sanga.
In line with the celebrations; the Headquarters of the SLAVF integrated with a community programme at Sanda Sevana Elders’ Home by cleaning the premises on 25 March 2025 and afforded lunch to residents of the elders’ home on 26 March 2025.
