*Sri Lanka Army Marks 77 Years of Service to the Nation with Pride, Remembrance and Renewed Commitment*

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(By Lieutenant Duminda Senarath)

(2026-10-10)

The Sri Lanka Army, the foremost pillar of national defence, will mark its 77th Anniversary on 10 October 2026, commemorating more than seven decades of dedicated service, sacrifice and commitment to sovereignty, territorial integrity and national interests.

Established on 10 October 1949 at Diyatalawa with a small cadre, the Army has grown into one of the most battle-hardened and disciplined institutions in the world. Its historical value cannot be measured in years alone. From securing a newly independent nation, to upholding democratic governance through turbulent decades, to leading rescue efforts during floods, landslides and droughts, the Army has been the nation’s ultimate insurance policy.

Its most defining chapter was the three-decade war against LTTE terrorism. For nearly 30 years, soldiers fought in the jungles of Vanni and the lagoons of the East, bearing the brunt of a brutal separatist war. The final Humanitarian Operation of 2006-2009 brought lasting peace in May 2009 — a testament to courage, operational planning and resilience. The Army did not just win a war; it reunited the country and restored every Sri Lankan’s right to live without fear, from Point Pedro to Dondra Head.

That sacrifice was solemnly remembered this year. Immediately after assuming duties as the 26th Commander on 1 August 2026, Lieutenant General Nilantha Premaratne RSP VSV USP nps psc paid floral tributes at the War Heroes Monument in Battaramulla, honouring over 23,000 fallen heroes and thousands of wounded. A solemn moment of remembrance, Last Post and Reveille by the Army Band at St Thomas’ Church, Kotte, and the Commander’s visit to Abhimansala-I, Anuradhapura, to meet rehabilitating war heroes underscored the Army’s unbreakable bond with its heroes.

Under Lieutenant General Nilantha Premaratne’s far-sighted vision, the Army is being transformed into a modern, future-ready force. His meritorious priorities are clear: professionalism through enhancing technological advancement and digitisation, international exposure and continuous training; strengthened welfare — housing, medical care for war heroes and education for children of fallen soldiers; and an expanded nation-building role.

Today, that role is visible across the country. Army engineers and medical teams are first on the ground during emergencies, building houses for the homeless, restoring classrooms, tanks and roads in remote areas. The Commander himself inspected the Dhamma Mandapaya construction at Kataragama built through Army labour — a symbol of service beyond defence.

His vision also emphasizes reconciliation and civil-military cooperation through vocational training centres for youth in the North and East, agricultural projects for war-affected families, and community projects that serve all communities equally.

The 77th Anniversary observances reflected this holistic vision. The programme commenced on 24 September at Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, Anuradhapura, where the Army Flag, Regimental and Unit Flags were taken in procession and blessed, with merit transferred to fallen heroes. Blessings continued at Sri Dalada Maligawa, Kandy, and Kirivehera and Kataragama Devalaya.

Reflecting pluralism, a Hindu Aashirwada Pooja was held at Mayurapathy Sri Bathrakali Amman Kovil, an Islamic blessing at Jumma Mosque, Kollupitiya, and a special Mass at St Thomas’ Church, Kotte. The observances culminated with an all-night Pirith Chanting and Heel Daana at Sri Maha Bodhirajaramaya, Panagoda, on 6-7 October. A special programme at Senehasa Education Centre, Manning Town, coinciding with World Children’s Day, reaffirmed commitment to children with special needs.

As it enters its 78th year, the Army continues to evolve while preserving its core values of professionalism, discipline and sacrifice — values built by generations of Officers, Other Ranks, veterans, civilian employees and families.

The 77th Anniversary is a tribute to those who served before, recognition of those serving today, and inspiration for those who will carry its responsibilities into the future.

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මාධ්‍යවේදීනි  ක්‍රිෂ්ණා ඩී එදිරිසිංහ, කොළඹ.