Lieutenant General Crishanthe De Silva, Commander of the Army as the Chief Guest graced the awarding ceremony.
Afterwards, adding rhythmic and soothing melodies to the occasion, the Army band groups, attired in eye-catching dresses, followed and showcased their band playing talents, amidst loud cheering before their drill display was staged.
The climax of the day’s events was the presentation of trophies, medals and certificates to the Best teams, Best platoon leaders, both men and women in respective drill platoons and leaders in the Best Band display teams.
In the Inter Regiment Drill competition, the Sri Lanka Engineers (SLE) emerged as the 1st and the Best for the second consecutive year.
2nd and 3rd places went to Sri Lanka Armoured Corps (SLAC) and Sri Lanka National Guard (SLNG) teams respectively.
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka Army Women’s Corps (SLAWC) emerged winners in the women’s category whereas Sri Lanka Corps of Military Police (SLCMP) and Sri Lanka Army Medical Corps (SLAMC) became 2nd and 3rd respectively.
The 1st place in the Band competition was won by Sri Lanka Army Service Corps (SLASC) while the 2nd and 3rd places were secured respectively by Sri Lanka Artillery (SLA) and Corps of Engineer Services (CES).
In a brief address to the occasion after award of trophies, Lieutenant General Chrisanthe De Silva, extended his praise and appreciation to all the members of Bands and Drill display teams of very high standards, and also to those who organized the entire event in an impressive manner.
He added that the intention of conducting this kind of drill and band competitions is to train the soldiers to be well-equipped and positioned in times of any war situation as the military history records.
The high standards of discipline thus inculcated in soldiers enable them to reach their objectives under the guidance of their Commanders and Commanding Officers.
Though tactics have changed during passage of time, drill and band practices have been part and parcel in a soldier’s life. Now, we need skilled troops with professionalism. Therefore, drills and band competitions are vital components to the Army, the Commander quipped.
A large gathering of senior officers, officers, other rankers and invitees attended the awarding ceremony at Panagoda.
At the end, the Chief Guest gave away awards to leading winners in both competitions and congratulated each and every one of them.
