12th January 2019 11:23:31 Hours
His Excellency Maithripala Sirisena, the President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka and Commander in Chief of Armed Forces and His Excellency Cheng Xueyuan, the Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka ceremonially opened the new Headquarters and Auditorium complex of SLMA on 15th December 2018 on the invitation of the Commander of the Army, Lieutenant General N U M M W Senanayake and Commandant of the Sri Lanka Military Academy, Brigadier H H A S P K Senaratne. The People’s Republic of China gifted this magnificently designed building which takes the shape of a water lily resembling “Nelum Pokuna Theater” in Colombo. The Head of the Chinese delegation Major General Shen Jun and Lieutenant General N U M M W Senanayake, the Commander of the Sri Lankan Army penned handing over and taking over documents of the building. The ceremony was also attended by all senior officers of the Army, a large number of distinguished invitees and a high profile delegation from China.
The Commandant, Brigadier H H A S P K Senaratne in his welcome address emphasized that the ancient connection between China and Sri Lanka is deeply rooted in our ancestries through historical, religious, social, economic and academic affinities.
He further stated with gratitude that the Gratis Assisted Project of the Comprehensive Office and Teaching building to the Sri Lanka Military Academy from the People’s Republic of China would strengthen the longstanding cordial relationship between the People’s Liberation Army and the Sri Lanka Army. He also respectfully remembered the former Commandant and Commander of the Army General Jagath Jayasuriya during whose tenure as the Commander in 2014 the foundation for the building was laid. The Chinese Ambassador, His Excellency Cheng Xueyan also addressed the audience.The building which was designed and constructed according to the People’s Republic of China engineering construction codes and standards cost Rs. 2,752 mn. The auditorium has the seating capacity of 785 seats with sound and optoelectronic facilities, central air conditioning and intelligent power supply and distribution control system.
His Excellency the President posed for a photograph with the Chinese Ambassador, Commander of the Army, Commandant of the Military Academy, its staff and the Chinese delegation. The Chief Guest planted an Iron Wood sapling marking the inauguration of the new Headquarters and Auditorium Complex.
