Sri Lanka Army marks 77th anniversary, honours schools for most serving personnel

The Sri Lanka Army yesterday (10) marked its 77th Anniversary at the Army Cantonment in Panagoda, recognising the dedication and contributions of schools that have produced the highest number of officers and soldiers currently serving in the Army.

Lieutenant General Nilantha Premaratne RSP VSV USP nps psc, Commander of the Army, attended the ceremony as the Chief Guest.

In a historic first for the Tri-Services and the Police, the anniversary celebrations recognised schools that had contributed the highest numbers of officers and other ranks currently serving in the Sri Lanka Army. The Commander of the Army presented awards to the top three schools in each of four categories: Male Officers, Lady Officers, Male Soldiers and Female Soldiers. Rankings were based on the number of currently serving Army personnel who had attended each school.

Ananda College, Colombo, took first place in the Male Officers category, followed by Dharmaraja College, Kandy, in second and St. Thomas’ College, Matale, in third.

Devi Balika Vidyalaya, Colombo, won first place among Lady Officers, with Visakha Vidyalaya, Colombo, second and Sirimavo Bandaranaike Vidyalaya, Colombo, third.

Kebithigollewa Central College, Anuradhapura, took first place in the Male Soldiers category, followed by Niwaththakachethiya National College, Anuradhapura, and Badulla Central College, Badulla.

Kegalu Balika Vidyalaya, Kegalle, secured first place in the Female Soldiers category. Anuradhapura Central College, Anuradhapura, won second place and Ananda Balika Vidyalaya, Colombo, third.

The recognition highlighted the contribution of educational institutions in nurturing generations of men and women who have dedicated themselves to serving the country through the Sri Lanka Army.