11th November 2024 18:25:34 Hours
The Sri Lanka Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (SLEME) Regimental Centre had been located in a verry limited space at Kumaran Rathnam Mawatha, Colombo 02, since 1950. However due to insufficient space and the ongoing development of colombo as a commercial hub, the relocation of military camps in the area become inevitable.
Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage RWP RSP ndu, Commander of the Army, inaugurated the relocation of the Sri Lanka Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (SLEME) Headquarters from Malay Street Colombo to its new site in Salawa, Kosgama on 11 November 2024. This relocation, conducted as part of the Sri Lanka Army’s restructuring process, represents a significant step in transforming the Army into a leaner, more capable, and technologically advanced force by 2030.
Upon his arrival at the premises, the Commander of the Army was warmly welcomed by Major General S.P.A.I.M.B Samarakoon Hdmc Lsc, Deputy Chief of Staff and Colonel Commandant of SLEME. In keeping with military tradition, the Army Chief was then accorded a ceremonial drive pass salute by the troops. The Commander proceeded to unveil the inauguration plaque, before planting a commemorative sapling on the premises.
Following the inauguration, the Commander of the Army toured the 1 Signal Brigade, which is housed in the Army Camp, Salawa, Kosgama where he addressed the troops and emphasised the importance of their contributions to the Army’s overall mission. Shortly after, the Army Chief formally presented the “Kadhauru Bhumi Himikam Sannas Pathraya” to the Centre Commandant of SLEME, Commander 1 Signal Brigade, and Commanding Officers of the 11th and 12th Sri Lanka Signal Regiments, symbolising the official redeployment of the 1 Signal Brigade and the SLEME Headquarters.
Later, Colonel Commandant of SLEME presented a special memento to the Chief Guest to mark the occasion, and the gesture was reciprocated. During the event, the Chief Guest posed for a few photographs and then penned a complimentary note in the visitors’ book, concluding the day’s proceedings.
The Commandant Sri Lanka Army Volunteer Force, Chief Signal Officer, Senior Officers of SLEME, Officers and Other Ranks participated in the occasion.
