Army celebrates 63rd anniversary

The Army celebrated its 63rd anniversary on Wednesday by staging a parade as well as several other events, an official said.

Army Commander Jagath Jayasuriya presided over the parade that included a Guard of Honour composed of all the regiments under the army, according to Army Spokesman Ruwan Wanigasooriya.

“This is the third anniversary celebrated after the war, which ended in 2009. There are several events that have been organised to recognise the sacrifices made by the Army to protect our motherland,” he told reporters.

Ceylon, as it was known then, was endowed with a Regular Force on 10 October 1949 under the Army Act No. 17 of 1949 after gaining independence from the British.

The Extraordinary Gazette (No. 10,028) in this connection, signed by Don Stephen Senanayake, then Minister of Defence and Foreign Affairs, was published the same day, announcing the commissioning and promotion of some local Army officers to function at the newly-established Army Headquarters.

With the country becoming an Independent Republic on 22 May 1972, the Ceylon Army was renamed as Sri Lanka Army and the regiments and units followed the same. A medal was later issued to all those in service on the newly-declared Republic Day.    

The Army gained prominence after crushing the Liberation Tamil Tigers of Eelam (LTTE) after a brutal three-decade war.  

A number of programs have been organised in view of the 63rd anniversary celebrations including a guard turnout and a military salute to the Commander. A series of religious ceremonies were also held at the Anuradhapura Jaya Sri Maha Bodhiya, Sri Ponnambalam Vaneshvar Kovil, Davatagaha Mosque and also at the All Saints’ Church in Colombo earlier this month.

An Army Dinner Dance, which had been revived last year after the absence of more than 30 years, will take place on 13 October. Proceeds from the dance will be utilised for the welfare of disabled war heroes and Army families.

A special tea table for all ranks at the Army Headquarters and an all ranks dinner at the Panagoda Army cantonment has also been organised to coincide with the anniversary celebrations.