Sinha Regiment heroes remembered
AMBEPUSSA: Soldiers of the Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment (SLSR) who made
the supreme sacrifice and also those who went missing during their
sacred mission to safeguard the sovereignty and territorial integrity of
their Motherland were remembered on December 30 at a glittering ceremony
held at Ambepussa SLSR Regimental Headquarters (RHQ).
Hundreds of next of kin of dead and missing SLSR soldiers and many
SLSR Officers and Other Ranks in that solemn and dignified ceremony
joined hands together with others to bestow merits on fallen War Heroes
and invoke blessings on those who went missing in action while the war
was at its peak.
Giving prominence to religious observances, the day's programme
started after the arrival of Army Commander Lieutenant General Sarath
Fonseka, and Colonel of the Sinha Regiment. After inspecting the Guard
Turn-out at the entrance to the RHQ, he paid homage to the fallen War
Heroes placing a wreath at the foot of the SLSR Memorial erected in the
RHQ premises in memory of its War Heroes.
SLSR Officers and Other Ranks, spouses of fallen Senior SLSR Officers
and spouses of fallen Other Ranks followed suit.
As the memorial ceremony got under way, it turned out to be a moving
scene filled with sorrow and memories of those who were close to the
hearts and minds of the loved ones. Next of kin of those heroes
numbering over 3000 then stood up together and symbolically unfurled a
Regimental flag in memory of each of their departed ones. The sea of
colourful flags marked a fitting tribute to those who perished in
defence of the Motherland.
Lieutenant General Sarath Fonseka in his address commended those
memorial arrangements organised in honour of the fallen heroes since it
was also a token of admiration of their services to the Nation. During
religious observances of all four denominations, many loved ones were
seen shedding tears as the touching religious rite, 'Penwedeema'
commenced with recitals.
The opening of the newly built bakery at the Regimental Headquarters
coincided with the day's ceremony.
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