11th July 2023 22:42:20 Hours
The gallant memory of 131 Officers and 2864 Other Ranks of the Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment who made supreme sacrifices during three decades of protracted civil war was revitalized by commemorating them at the Vijayabahu War Heroes' Monument at the Regimental Centre, Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment on 10 July 2023.
Upon the arrival of the Chief Guest, the Commandant of Sri Lanka Army Volunteer Force (SLAVF) and Colonel of the Regiment of Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment, Major General S U M N Manage WWV RWP RSP psc was warmly received by the Centre Commandant of the Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment, Brigadier M A D J D Gunathilaka RSP USP at the entrance.
Soon after, recitation of the National Anthem, Army Song and Regimental Song respectively at first set the tone for the sequence of commemorative events with religious observances, taking the pride of the day's priorities. As troops stood vigil around the memorial, all those who had gathered there with the Commandant of the Sri Lanka Army Volunteer Force (SLAVF) and Colonel of the Regiment of Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment, Major General S U M N Manage WWV RWP RSP psc, the Commander Security Forces (West), and Colonel Commandant of Sri Lanka Army General Service Corps , Major General D M K D B Pussella RWP RSP, the Adjutant General of the Sri Lanka Army, Major General S R B Aluvihare RWP RSP ndu psc, Council Members of Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment, Senior Officers, Officers including all other personnel and family members of those departed ones, observed a two-minute silence in hounour of the fallen VIR War Heroes.
Then, the Council Member of the Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment and Master of the Event, Brigadier P A D T U Perera delivered the welcome speech by appreciating the praiseworthy presence made by all the participants despite their commitments. After playing of ‘Rana Bera’, vigil mounting and reading of the citation for bravery, all eyes were glued to the monument, as the day's Chief Guest, flanked by several Senior Officers and family members of fallen War Heroes amid reverberating solemn melodies inched their way to the monument and saluted their indelible memory of those valiant war heroes by placing floral wreaths whilst lighting the lamp of the War Heroes ‘Monument in a charming ceremony. Later on, the Colonel of the Regiment addressed all the troops, especially the beloved ones of fallen VIR war heroes, highlighting that any war hero will never be forgotten and the regiment is always with their families, assisting in any sort of needy request.
As dusk fell, the sounding of the Last Post and Reveille in accordance with military traditions culminated the formal ceremony, by letting all beloved ones of fallen VIR War Heroes to light the candles and burn thousands of fragrant incense sticks by purifying the surrounding to the air. Many of them were seen carrying bouquets of flowers before they knelt down at the foot of the monument and went on shedding tears. It was a touching moment with moving scenes that made everyone emotional on the occasion.
Meanwhile, the Colonel of the Regiment and several other Senior Officers took time off to share a few views with those family members, consoling their hearts and minds by being present at the location.
A large gathering of Senior Officers, Officers, Other Ranks and Relatives of the fallen VIR War Heroes also participated in the VIR War Heroes' commemoration.
