Army Commander Visits Injured Paratroopers

COLOMBO (News 1st);  Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage, Commander of the Sri Lanka Army, visited the Colombo Army Hospital on Tuesday, January 30th, to personally check on the two army personnel, an Officer and Soldier, injured during a freefall jump as part of the upcoming 76th Independence Day parade rehearsals.

Accompanied by Major General W.H.K.S Peiris, Chief of Staff, the Army Commander spent time with the injured Officer and Soldier, expressing his deep concern and inquiring about their progress. 

He emphasized the importance of providing them with the highest quality of medical care and ensuring their speedy recovery.

The Commander also met with the hospital's medical authorities, reiterating the Army's unwavering commitment to the well-being of its personnel. 

Four paratroopers from SL Army and SLAF were injured last morning (30), during rehearsals for the National Independence Day celebrations at Galle Face Green. 

The injured paratroopers were identified as;

- Major Dhammika Ratnapala from the Sri Lanka Army Special Forces
- Sri Lanka Army Sergeant L. A. N. Bandara
- Sri Lanka Air Force Sergeant R. H. P. K. Hemasighe
- Sri Lanka Air Force Sergeant M. D. S. S. Meeriyagalle

The military said that the accident has occurred due to a rare and unexpected change in wind direction. 

The military also said that the injured paratroopers did not sustain fatal injuries.

The 76th Independence Day rehearsals took place at Galle Face in the morning, with the participation of the three-armed forces, and the police.