Army marches on with its professional maturity as it celebrates its 61st Army Day

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Army marches on with its professional maturity as it celebrates its 61st Army Day
30 Sep 2010 - 10:16
A series of religious events, the precursor to the forthcoming Sri Lanka Army 61st Anniversary and Army Day (10th October) is to commence early October with the customary Flag Blessing ceremony at Anuradhapura Jaya Sri Maha Bodhiya and subsequent Hindu, Islamic and Christian observances at respective places of worship in Colombo.
All commemorative arrangements as regards the Army Day and its 61st anniversary have been organized on the instructions of the Commander of the Army, Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya.
The highlights of the ceremonies include a military parade representing all regiments and colours, etc on 9th October at the Army grounds followed by Commander’s Army Day address to the troops and tea with all ranks. Thereafter the Commander of the Army and Mrs Manjulika Jayasuriya, President, Seva Vanitha Army Branch with senior officers will visit Military Hospital to see recuperating War Heroes where the Commander is expected to give away gift parcels to them as tokens of appreciation and goodwill.
An all night Pirith chanting ceremony on 10th October at Panagoda Sri Bodhirajaramaya (Army Temple), followed by an alms giving to Maha Sangha, the following day, culminates this year’s Army Day commemorative arrangements.
Members of the Maha Sangha, headed by Most Ven. Pallegama Sri Nivasabhidana Nayaka Thero, Atamastanadhipathi (chief incumbent for eight sacred places) are to invoke blessings on all Army flags on 2nd October at Anuradhapura Jaya Sri Maha Bodhiya after offerings are made by Commander and other Senior Officers.
Hindu religious observances on 4th October at Sri Bala Selvanayagam Moorthi Kovil, Maradana (Captain Garden’s Kovil), Islamic religious blessings at Davatagaha Jumma Mosque (5th October) and the Christian service at Cathedral Church, Galle Face on 7th October complete the first phase of the 61st anniversary programme before the Army Day celebratory events get underway. Provincial Army anniversary arrangements at all field formation level will also take place simultaneously to coincide with the main ceremony on 10th October 2010 at Army Headquarters. 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 as amply proved in the recent humanitarian operation for elimination of terrorism. The Army has received recognition and commendation 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.lk