14th January 2026 13:41:42 Hours
The Sri Lanka Military Academy (SLMA) proudly commemorated its 45th Academy Day on 10 January 2026, marking more than four decades of excellence in developing future leaders for the Sri Lanka Army. The milestone was celebrated with a series of dignified military, religious, and community-oriented events held under the leadership of the Commandant, Brigadier M M Thusitha Bandara USP AUSWC psc.
The celebrations reflected the Academy’s enduring commitment not only to military professionalism but also to service to the nation and community. In this spirit, a community service programme was held on 9 January 2026, during which 112 officers and soldiers participated in a cleaning campaign at the Diyatalawa Base Hospital, reaffirming the Academy’s responsibility to society.
The official programme commenced on the morning of 10 January with a Guard Turnout at the Academy ‘A’ Gate, followed by a ceremonial parade on the Parade Ground. These events added splendour and military precision to the occasion. In a solemn tribute to the fallen heroes of the Sri Lanka Army, the Commandant laid a wreath at the War Memorial, paying homage to those who made the supreme sacrifice in defence of the nation.
A group photograph in front of the Headquarters Complex was then taken to commemorate the historic occasion. The Commandant, together with senior officers, also participated in a tree-planting ceremony, symbolising the Academy’s commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainability for future generations.
The spiritual dimension of the celebrations was marked by invocations of blessings from all major faiths, with Buddhist, Hindu, Islamic, and Catholic clergy offering prayers. Blessings were sought upon the Academy Colours, the Commandant and the staff, while remembering the brave warriors who had laid down their lives for the country.
The 45th Academy Day celebrations concluded on a warm and cordial note, with a traditional all ranks lunch held at the Torch Cinema, bringing together officers, soldiers, and civilian staff in a spirit of camaraderie, unity, and pride. The event once again reaffirmed the Sri Lanka Military Academy’s proud legacy as the cradle of leadership of the Sri Lanka Army, steadfast in its mission to produce disciplined, professional and patriotic officers for the defence of the nation.
