Army Day in Sri Lanka is observed every October 10 to commemorate the creation of the Ceylon Army in 1949. The holiday has its roots in the British colonial period, with the first regular native regiment formed in the late 18th century. The Sri Lanka Army, in its modern form, was established following the country's independence from the United Kingdom and was renamed in 1972 when Ceylon became Sri Lanka. Although not a public holiday, Army Day is celebrated with military parades, official ceremonies, and various events. The Sri Lanka Army consists of approximately 200,000 regular personnel, along with members of the National Guard and reserve forces. This day highlights the significance of the army's history and its role in the nation.