27th July 2020 16:39:38 Hours
The 83-Batch of the Old Boys' Association (OBA) of the D.S Senanayake College in Colombo Friday (24) evening hosted one of their distinguished and patriotic colleagues, Major General Jagath Gunawardena, Chief of Staff (COS) of the Army to a feclicitous reception at Taj Samudra Hotel on account of his assumption of office as the 55th Chief of Staff of the organization.
The glamorous ceremony, coloured with a few cultural feats and soothing melodies of the Army orchestra kicked off soon after the arrival of the day's laureate with his wife at the venue where he was warmly received by the executive members of the OBA before he was ushered to the head table in a procession. A brief welcome speech, flavoured with a brief account of the day's protagonist's eventful career in the Army, made by Brigadier Prasad Akuranthilake, Chairman, Organizing Committee of the Felicitation-OBA set the stage ready for the day's proceedings and award of honours.
Next, was the invitation to the day's laureate to appear on stage to receive the special memento, organized by the OBA in appreciation of his services to the country and the Army at large. Flanked by OBA Executives, Major General Jagath Gunawardena afterwards received the symbol of recognition and appreciation, awarded jointly Mr Prasanna Udamuhamdiram,Principle and Brigadier Prasad Akuranthilake ,Chairman, organizing committee amid roars of applause. The occasion reached its apex then as the day's laureate was invited to the lectern to refresh his memories during college days and speak out his mind as the house was awaiting in rapt attention.
General (Retd) Daya Ratnayake, former Commander of the Army and Chairman, Sri Lanka Ports Authority, Mrs Rohini Alles, spouse of late founding father of the College and Mr Harsha Alles, the son of late Mr Alles ,Mr Buddhapriya Ramanayake were among distinguished guests who graced the occasion at the invitation of the OBA. Several of his Army collegmates, retired or still serving too were among the attendees, together with their spouses.
As one more feature of the day's itinerary, the day's Chief Guest was also invited to pick winners in the lottery draw as the gathering with their spouses joined with one another for the dinner treat after votes of thanks were raised by Mr Susantha Balapatabendi, one of the chief coordinators of the organizing committee.The recital of the school anthem brought the felicitation to end.
Major General Gunawardena during his over three-decade long career has served many command appointments, including Officer Commanding Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit. He commanded 8 Field Engineer Regiment (Infantry Role) and commanded 6 Field Engineer Regiment (Combat Engineer Role) and during the same period he was the head of the mine action technical committee in Vavuniya. Afterwards, he held the appointment of Commander 524 Infantry Brigade in Point Pedro, Centre Commandant of Corps of Sri Lanka Engineers for three years, and thereafter as the Commander, Engineer Brigade. As the Commander Engineer Brigade, he expedited the de-mining process and its standards to very high recognition for Sri Lankan de-miners. He was appointed as the 55th Chief of Staff of the Army on 1st June 2020. He also has served as the General Officer Commanding – 57 Division (GOC – 57 Div), Commander - Security Forces Headquarters – Wanni and the Commandant – Sri Lanka Army Volunteer Force (SLAVF), prior to the present appointment. Authentic Nike Sneakers | Air Jordan
