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| Saturday, 04 September 2004 |
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by Sarath Malalasekera The Police Department celebrated their 138th Police Day at a simple ceremony at the Bambalapitiya Police Grounds yesterday. Inspector General of Police Indra de Silva was the chief guest. The IGP inspected the parade accompanied by Senior DIG Gamini Randeni, Field Force Headquarters DIG Punya de Silva and Senior SP Pujith Jayasundera. Earlier the IGP was received at the entrance to the Police Grounds by Senior DIG Gamini Randeni, DIG Punya de Silva, Field Force Head Quarters Commandant Senior SP Rohan Abeywardena. Later the IGP took the salute while the Police band played music befitting the occasion and flags of the 44 Police Divisions flattered in the background. Sri Lanka Police had to face the second world war in 1939 and several incidents occurred in 1979 and 1980s."We hope that we will never go back to that dark era. In 1943 to 1965 we had a peaceful period in the country. As we are now marching towards peace, we will achieve peace and come back to nomal and Sri Lanka will be a peaceful country," the IGP said. The IGP paid a glowing tribute to those gallant senior and junior members of the Sri Lanka Police Force who have made the supreme sacrifice to maintain law and order and bring peace to the motherland. "I extend to all ranks of the Police the warmest greetings and on behalf of the Police Force to the people of this country a peaceful and harmonious future, "IGP Indra de Silva said. The colourful parade was made up of officers of 24 platoons including the Special Task Force, Women cadres, Permanent Police Force and SLRPs. Senior DIGs Chandra Fernando, Gamini Randeni, DIGs, Senior SPs, SPs and several other Police officers belonging to all ranks who could be off from busy duty schedules came in their ceremonial out-fit. The proceedings were conducted by Senior SP Pujith Jayasundera, Director Police Narcotics Bureau, (PNB). The Army Commander Lt. General Shantha Kottegoda in a message to the police day stated: "The cordial relationship between the Sri Lanka Police and Sri Lanka Army has grown from strength to strength in the past and that alone stood as an example when dealing in bi-lateral issues common to both of us. I have no doubt that the existing strong bonds and inter-relationship between our organisations will develop further and serve as a pillar of strength achieving our common goal - "Peaceful Mother Lanka". "It is also with great respect I mention here that, the service rendered by the Sri Lanka Police to the nation has been greatly appreciated by us as citizens of Sri Lanka," the Army Commander's message stated. Acting Commander of the Air Force, Air Vice Marshal J.L. Salgado in a message to the Police day stated: "On behalf of the Commander of the Air Force, all officers and other ranks of the Sri Lanka Air Force, I take great pleasure in extending our heartiest felicitations and warmest greetings to all members of the Sri Lanka Police on the auspicious of the 138th, Anniversary of the Sri Lanka Police." "As you celebrate this momentous occasion, you could be very proud of the many achievements and the significant accomplishments of the Sri Lanka Police over a century and three and a half decades of distinguished service to the nation. May I also take this opportunity to pay reverence to those gallant members of the Sri Lanka Police who have made the supreme sacrifice in the noble endeavour to maintain peace and stability in our motherland." "I am confident that the bonds of friendship and co-operation between the Sri Lanka Police and the Sri Lanka Air Force will reach newer heights in the coming years," the statement added. Senior SP Keerthi de Silva and Chief Inspector Gamini Mathurata, OIC, Field Force Headquarters assisted in organising the ceremony. |
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