Sri Lanka Army celebrates 68th Anniversary

Sri Lanka Army commemorated its 68th Anniversary and the Army Day today (10th Oct.) during a colorful parade at Panagoda Army Cantonment grounds under the patronage of Lieutenant General Mahesh Senanayake, Commander of the Army.

A series of multi- religious programs were conducted by the Army preceding the main anniversary ceremony today.

The series of anniversary ceremonies will culminate with a remembrance ceremony at Battaramulla War Memorial this evening.

Formed as the ‘Ceylon Army’ in 1949, it was later changed and came to be known as the Sri Lanka Army with the country becoming a Republic in 1972. Sri Lanka Army led the tri forces in the fight against terrorism during the Humanitarian Operations. Thousands of its men made the supreme sacrifice during the war to protect the territorial integrity and sovereignty of our motherland and usher in an era of peace to the country.

At present there are 24 Regiments in the Sri Lanka Army. Taking on a new role in the post war rebuilding process, the Army is involved extensively in the development of the country particularly in the reconciliation and development drive of the North and East. In addition, its men take the lead during natural disasters and other emergencies and carryout relief operations. Their role in the national anti-Dengue fight is widely recognized. They are also being offered more opportunities in international peace keeping missions abroad as well.