The ceremonial award of the first-ever President's Truncheon and the Regimental Truncheon to the Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment (SLSR), took place at the Sinha Regimental Headquarters in Ambepussa on Monday (30th Jan.) under the patronage of President Maithripala Sirisena.
This is the first time that the President's Truncheon which is equivalent to that of an honorary 'Colour' has been awarded to a Regiment. It is a unique emblem upon which soldiers swear loyalty to the Regiment and the State.
The newly constructed Library of the Regiment was also opened by the President during the occasion. Constructed by the soldiers of the Regiment, the state-of-the-art eco-friendly library had won the silver medal at the 4th Holcim International Eco-Friendly Building Competition in Switzerland recently.
State Minister of Defence Ruwan Wijewardene, Secretary to the Ministry of Defence Eng. Karunasena Hettiarachchi, Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka, and the Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Crishanthe De Silva were also present.
The Sinha Regiment saw its inception on 01st October 1956. The Regiment played an important role during the humanitarian operations and also produced the first ever Field Marshal of the country.