A ceremony was held at the Gajaba Regiment Headquarters, Saliyapura, Anuradhapura on October 10 under the patronage of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to mark the 72nd anniversary of the Sri Lanka Army. The Sri Lanka Army was established under the Army Act No. 17 of 1949. The Sri Lanka Army consists of 25 infantry, support and service regiments which have played a major role to ensure the security of the country.
The ceremony was organised adhering to health guidelines. President Rajapaksa inaugurated the new administrative building and stadium of the Gajaba Regiment Headquarters and laid the foundation stone for the pavilion.
The President inspected the quarters of junior and senior rank officers and the military vehicles that had been repaired and put into operation by the Engineering Corps of the Gajaba Regiment.
Army Commander General Shavendra Silva presented a memento to the President marking his visit to the Gajaba Regiment Headquarters. President Rajapaksa placed a note on the book for the special guests and planted a sapling marking his visit to the Gajaba Regiment Headquarters. After addressing the gathering, the President paid tribute to the statue of Major General Vijaya Wimalaratne at the Gajaba Regiment Headquarters and paid a courtesy call on the Regiment Headquarters.
(Pix courtesy President’s Media Unit)
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa arriving at the Gajaba Regiment Headquarters, Saliyapura for celebrations accompanied by Army Commander General Shavendra Silva.
Army Commander General Shavendra Silva presents a memento to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa
President Rajapaksa hoisting the National flag before the ceremony
President Rajapaksa opens the stadium of the Gajaba Regiment
First Lady Ioma Rajapaksa with President of the Army Seva Vanitha Unit Sujeewa Nelson (left)