The series of celebratory events, designed to coincide with Army's 60th Anniversary under the theme "Victory through Commitment, Dedication, Sacrifice and Professionalism" gets underway from today (2) with commencement of the customary flag blessing ceremony at Anuradhapura Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi precincts.
Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya gracing the occasion as Chief Guest will join the representative gathering of officers and other ranks from all Regiments for the symbolic Flag Blessing rituals at the upper layer (Udamaluwa) at the sacred premises.
Members of the Maha Sangha, led by Ven. Pallegama Sri Niwasabhidana Nayaka Thero, Atamastanadhipathi (chief incumbent for eight sacred places) are expected to invoke blessings on all Army flags after offerings are made by Commander and other Senior Officers. Christian, Islamic and Hindu religious observances and services will follow before the Army Day (October 10th). Islamic religious observances at Davatagaha Jumma Mosque on 5th October 2009, Hindu religious observances at Sri Bala Selvanayagam Moorthi Kovil in Maradana on 6th October 2009 and the Christian Service at Cathedral Church in Colombo 07 on 7th October 2009 will complete the first phase of the Anniversary programme.
The 60th Anniversary celebrations on Saturday (3) enter another important phase with the opening of the grand Army Exhibition at BMICH premises where display of captured stocks of LTTE equipment, arms and ammunition, military hardware, Army expansion and achievements, etc is expected to draw massive crowds. Special musical shows and display of fire works are to add colour to the event on all four days of the Exhibition (Oct 3 - 7). A model enactment of the last battle in Puthumattalan is also to be staged both during this Exhibition and the Army Tattoo. The Exhibition will be open for public from 10.00 a.m. to 10.00 p.m. everyday and an entry ticket to the site is priced at Rs. 50.00. School students cost half the price.
The Army Day (Oct 10th) commemorative ceremonies at Army Headquarters begin with a Guard of Honour, accorded to the Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya. His subsequent Army Day address to the troops is also a main item on the day's agenda. Commander is also expected to visit recuperating War Heroes at the Military Hospital and declare open the newly-built operation theatre and a ward complex for injured War Heroes at the Military Hospital. Towards the end of the day, a Pirith chanting ceremony at Panagoda Sri Bodhirajaramaya, will culminate the day's proceedings. Issue of a first-day cover plus a special stamp and a Rs. 1000 worth special coin has also been organized to mark the occasion.
On 12th October, Army troops are to accord a special Guard of Honour to the Chief of Defence Staff General Sarath Fonseka who is also the most senior Army officer still serving.
A special volume of Army history, "Sri Lanka Army - 60 years On" that covers the period (1999-2009) is also to be released as part of the celebratory events.
The next attraction, the Army Tattoo will commence on 17th October at Kettarama Stadium and continue till 23rd October. This mega display of thrill and excitement will highlight speedy fixing of vehicles, instant construction of temporary bridges, parachute jumps, cultural shows, ceremonial display by women's corps, model simulation attacks and a host of other exclusive talents of elite Commando units and Special Forces. This rare show will be open to the public from 5.30 p.m. to 10.00 p.m. everyday. Entry tickets are available at Cargills Ceylon PLC and also at entry gates to the stadium. Tickets are priced at Rs. 200, Rs. 500, Rs. 1000 and Rs. 2000.
The modern Sri Lanka Army counts its birth after its founding in 1949 as a commonwealth force of the post-independent Ceylon and this maturity of the Army came about as a result of its dedication, professionalism and commitment to the cause. The Army has received recognition as a troop-contributing country to the UN and other member states and its extensive roles in de-mining, humanitarian services, national emergencies, construction and development work, etc,
Courtesy : Army Media
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