SRI LANKA ARTILLERY MARKS ITS 137TH ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATION CEREMONY TO REVERE WAR HEROES

The Regiment of Sri Lanka Artillery paid tribute to the Fallen War Heroes at the Regimental Monument in Panagoda on 19 April 2025, as a part of the 137th Regimental Anniversary Celebrations.

The Commander of the Army Lieutenant General B K G M L Rodrigo RSP ctf-ndu psc IG graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Former Commander of the Army General C S Weerasooriya RWP RSP VSV USP ndc IG was the Guest of Honour upon the invitation of the Adjutant General of the Sri Lanka Army and the Colonel Commandant of the Regiment of Sri Lanka Artillery Major General K V N P Premaratne RSP USP nps psc. In accordance with military traditions, the Army Chief was accorded a Guard Turnout upon his arrival. He then officially declared open the newly constructed guard room at the main entrance of the Regimental Headquarters. Subsequently, formal commemorative proceedings commenced at the War Heroes’ Monument. Following multi-religious observances in honour of the fallen war heroes, the celebration started with the singing of the national anthem and the army anthem of Sri Lanka. A mounting of vigil was performed and all those present maintained a two-minute pause in remembrance of the War Heroes' ultimate sacrifice.

Floral wreaths were then placed at the monument by the Commander of the Army, the Colonel Commandant of the SLA, Senior Officers, Other Ranks, and relatives of the fallen war heroes. Following the traditional dismounting of the vigil, the solemn tones of the 'Last Post' were sounded in remembrance of the fallen war heroes.

The Commander of the Army spent time interacting with family members and serving personnel during the All-Ranks tea. Additionally, he wrote down his comments in the visitor's book. In order to commemorate the occasion, the Army Chief formally donated a Colour Vehicle to the Regiment of Sri Lanka Artillery.