KETARIANS ORGANIZE REUNION AT HOME OF GAJABA IN SALIYAPURA

The veterans of the 3rd Battalion of the Gajaba Regiment organized a glamorous reunion at the Home of Gajaba, Saliyapura last evening (29th July 2023).

The chief guest was the first Commanding Officer of the 3rd Battalion the Gajaba Regiment and the second Colonel of the Regiment of Gajaba Regiment, Major General Sathish Jayasundara (Retd) RWP VSV USP psc.

At the invitation of the organizing committee, the Chief of Defence Staff General Shavendra Silva WWV RWP RSP VSV USP ndc psc MPhil attended this occasion of fellowship and dinner which was organized.

A cross-section of the serving officers of the 3rd Battalion of the glorious Gajaba Regiment, retired Generals, many retired officers, and retired other ranks of the 3rd Battalion of the Gajaba Regiment gathered at this reunion. On arrival to the occasion, General Shavendra Silva, the senior most serving officer of the Sri Lanka Army and the Gajaba Regiment was graciously welcomed on behalf of the organizing committee by veteran Major General Udaya Perera (Retd) who has immensely contributed to the 3 decade drawn war.

Sharing the memories of the battles that were drawn for more than three decades, General Shavendra Silva appreciated the efforts taken to arrange this affable gathering in a high magnitude enabling the serving officers and retired officers along with retired other ranks together. All attendees shared anecdotes referring to their good old days.

The Gajaba Regiment of the Sri Lanka Army saw its birth in a decisive era when the country needed young brilliant officers and men to carry arms with courage, dedication, and commitment with a clear sense of discipline and professionalism.

The Secretary Defence, General Kamal Gunaratne (Retd) WWV RWP RSP USP ndc psc MPhil, Commander of the Army, Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage RWP RSP ndu, veteran Lieutenant General Jagath Dias, the present Chairman of the GR Veterans Association, Major General Jagath Alwis, Major General Nandana Senadeera, many retired generals, pioneering senior officers and serving officers along with retired other ranks including the first Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM) Warrant Officer 1 Somadasa joined the occasion.