28th ACADEMY DAY CELEBRATIONS

The Sri Lanka Military Academy commemorated its 28^th Anniversary on a novel note with traditions blended with new features such as competitions promoting sportsmanship among the members of the Academy under the patronage of Commandant, Brigadier A K G K U Gnanaratne ndc psc from 17^th to 20^th August 2020.

On 18^th morning, religious blessings of all faiths were invoked on the Academy, its staff and trainees by conducting rituals at Sri Muthuamman Kovil, Roman Catholic Church and Jumma Mosque where special prayers were conducted by respective religious leaders and they were attended by the Commandant, Deputy Commandant, Wing Heads and a cross section of Officers, Officer Cadets and Other Ranks. Also, in marking the 28^th anniversary, a shramadana campaign was conducted at Diyatalawa Base Hospital and places of religious interest with the participation of officer cadets and NCOs.

The colourful procession, a collaborative effort of all Wings, was held on 18^th evening which paved the way for officer cadets to exhibit their aesthetic skills by performing the roles of whip-crackers, flag bearers, drummers, dancers and firebrands bringing delight to onlookers. Afterwards, an overnight pirith chanting ceremony was held at the Gymnasium where the Chief Prelate of the Ellagame temple showered blessings on the Academy, its staff, trainees and also on the fallen warriors. On the following morning, an alms-giving for thirty Buddhist monks was held at the same premises with the participation of the Commandant, all members of the staff, cadets and civil employees. Further, the fallen war heroes were remembered on 19^th evening at the Academy War Heroes Monument where the Commandant, Deputy Commandant, all Wing Heads, Academy Sergeant Major and the senior-most Cadet laid wreaths and paid tribute.

On 20^th morning, a ceremonial parade commanded by the Commanding Officer of the Admin Wing was held at the parade ground which was graced by the Commandant and all members of the staff together with trainee officer cadets.

The traditional all-ranks lunch organized by the Administration Wing and arranged at the “Torch Cinema” premises marked the conclusion of the 28^th anniversary celebrations of the Academy.