Sri Lanka Army celebrates 57 years

The 10th of October, 1949 saw parliament enact the Army Act, thereafter recognised as the day the Ceylon Army was raised. The Ceylon Army was said to comprise a Regular and a Volunteer force.

All units functioned directly under Army Headquarters while temporary field headquarters were formed as required. The first ever field formation, the Task Force Anti Illicit Immigration (TFAII) was raised in 1963 to prevent illegal immigrants from South India entering (and later disbanded in 1981). In 1972, with Ceylon becoming the Republic of Sri Lanka, all units were renamed accordingly.

In celebration of their 57th year of existence, the Sri Lanka Army held their annual flag blessing ceremony at the Sri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura.

The occasion saw the flags of all the regiments, currently numbering over two score, blessed by the Maha Sangha headed by the Atamasthanadipathi, Ven. Pallegama Sirinivasa Thera chanting Seth Pirith.

The 18th Army Commander, Lt. Gen. Sarath Fonseka in his 'Army Day' address commended his troops for "defending the territorial integrity of their country" and their "unfailing patience and contribution made at all times towards implementation of the provisions of the four-year-old Ceasefire Agreement (CFA), despite numerous terrorist violations, harassment, provocations."

He further reiterated the Army's awareness of their responsibility in creating a "peaceful and conductive environment" where all Sri Lankans could "coexist in harmony."

(R.H.)

• Sri Lanka will always have them!