Army Day on October 10
Arrangements are under way to mark the 62nd Army Anniversary and Army
Day on October 10 under the direction of Commander of the Army,
Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya, giving pride of place to religious
observances.
The precursor to the commemorative events, the inaugural Army Flag
blessing ceremony at the Anuradhapura Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi precincts with
the participation of the Commander of the Army will take place on
October 1. Pirith chanting by members of the Maha Sangha, headed by Ven.
Pallegama Sirinivasabhidana Nayake Thera Atamastanadhipathi, is to
invoke blessings on the Army.
Hindu religious observances at Sri Bala Selvanayagam Moorthi Kovil
(Captain Garden's Kovil), Maradana, Islamic religious rites and rituals
at Dawatagaha Jumma Mosque and Christian service at Cathedral Church,
Galle Face are to complete the first phase of the anniversary
celebrations before the Army Day is marked.
An all-night Pirith chanting ceremony on October 7, at Panagoda Army
Cantonment, followed by an alms-giving to members of the Maha Sangha,
the following day culminates this year's religious observances.
The final highlights of the Army Day ceremonies on October 10 include
a military parade that represents all regiments and colours in the Army
at Panagoda Army Cricket Grounds and Commander's Army Day address to the
troops, followed by an all rank tea party.
Lieutenant General Jayasuriya, accompanied by Ms. Manjulika
Jayasuriya, President, Seva Vanitha Army Branch, is expected to visit
inmates at the Colombo Military Hospital on the same day, and give away
gift parcels to them.
The day's highlights will come to a close with an all rank dinner for
fellowship and goodwill.
The revived Army Dinner Dance open to all ranks will take place on
October 15. It will close this year's commemorative ceremonies.
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