Sri Lanka Army turns 70
October 10, 2019The Sri Lanka Army is celebrating its 70th anniversary, today (10 October). The anniversary celebrations commenced last week with a series of religious blessing and prayer ceremonies being held with the inaugural ceremony held at the Sri Dalada Maligawa (Temple of the Tooth) in Kandy last month (28 September).
This will be a milestone anniversary celebration to the Army, which was in the forefront of the fight against terrorism that had engulfed the country for three long decades.
In keeping with time held traditions and customs, the Army had conducted a number of military ceremonies with the main event to be hold at the Galle Face promenade, today.
The Main Parade at the Galle Face will be graced by the Commander of the Army, Lieutenant General Shavendra Silva, WWV RWP RSP VSV USP ndc psc. The 23rd Commander of the Army, Lieutenant General Shavendra Silva is an accomplished officer who had played a prominent role during the Humanitarian Operations. He assumed command of the Sri Lanka Army after being appointed to that post by the President on 18 August 2019.
The Sri Lanka Army, was founded on 10 October 1949 as the Ceylon Army after forming its first regular force under the command of Brigadier R. Sinclair. With the establishment of its own Military Academy in Diyatalawa, Brigadier Anton Muthukumaru assumed the mantle of office as the first Sri Lankan Commander of the then Ceylon Army. Since then the Army has expanded in size and strength and at present includes 24 Regiments. So far 23 commanders have led the Sri Lanka Army.
Since the end of the Humanitarian Operations in 2009 the Sri Lanka Army has taken up a new role in the reconciliation and national development programme. In addition, it raises to the occasion when the country is faced with emergency requirements and natural calamities. Sri Lanka Army troops are also involved in UN Peacekeeping Missions.