11th October 2023 16:16:18 Hours
The Commander of the Army, Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage RWP RSP ndu took time off this morning (11) to lend his best wishes to the retiring Chief of Staff of the Army, Colonel Commandant of Sri Lanka Artillery (SLA) and Chairman, Sri Lanka Army Sports Committee, Major General W.A.S.S Wanasinghe RSP VSV USP ndu on the eve of the latter’s retirement from the Army.
The retiring Major General W.A.S.S Wanasinghe RSP VSV USP ndu after an illustrious service of more than three decades was invited by Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage, Commander of the Army to his office, together with his spouse, just a few days before his retirement from the service after a distinguished career of more than 36 years.
Major General W.A.S.S Wanasinghe RSP VSV USP ndu who has served the Army in an exemplary manner during the meet received appreciative compliments and words of commendation from the Army Chief who also spoke high of his working capacity, commitment and dedication to the Army as a senior member of the prestigious Artillery family.
The Army Chief refreshed memories of the outgoing retiree’s contribution and valuable roles during the height of the war against terrorism as an Artillery Officer of the highest calibre before May 2009.
The Commander of the Army during interactions inquired about his future plans and wished him best of luck with his future endeavours. He shared some pleasantries with the retiring Senior Officer and also did not forget to share a couple of thoughts with his wife who was also present at the office. The Army Chief also did not fail to mention the support that the retiring Senior Officer’s family members have given to the outgoing Senior Officer in the performance of his demanding roles.
Major General W.A.S.S Wanasinghe RSP VSV USP ndu also in turn thanked the Commander of the Army for his wishes and guidance while mentioning the encouragement he received during his tenure of service in the organization.
Towards the end of the interactions, Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage awarded a special memento to the outgoing retiree as a symbol of appreciation and commendation along with a special gift to the spouse.
Here follows a brief profile of the retiring Senior Officer;
Major General W.A.S.S Wanasinghe RSP VSV USP ndu was enlisted in the Regular Force of the Sri Lanka Army as an Officer Cadet on 16 March 1987. Upon successful completion of military training at the Sri Lanka Military Academy, Diyatalawa, he was commissioned in the rank of Second Lieutenant and posted to the Sri Lanka Artillery (SLA) on 10 December 1988. After being steadily elevated to subsequent ranks in the span of his service in the Army, he was promoted to the rank of Major General on 02 June 2020.
Major General W.A.S.S Wanasinghe RSP VSV USP ndu, being a dedicated gunner has been decorated with the Rana Sura Padakkama (RSP) for his excellent display of bravery in the face of the enemy.
He has been holding the Office of the Chief of Staff of the Army, Colonel Commandant of Sri Lanka Artillery and Chairman of the Sri Lanka Army Sports Committee at the time of his retirement. He also held the appointments of Troop Commander of the SLA, Adjutant of Marksmanship and Sniper Training School, General Staff Officer 3 (Operations) of the 26 Infantry Brigade, Brigade Major of the 26 Infantry Brigade and 515 Infantry Brigade, Officer Commanding of Operations Command Colombo, Staff Officer 2 of Directorate of Army Medical Services at Army Headquarters, Second-in-Command of 14 SLA, Officiating General Staff Officer 1 of the 21 Infantry Division, Commanding Officer of Marksmanship and Sniper Training School, Colonel General Staff of 59 Infantry Division, Commander of 144 and 682 Infantry Brigades, Director (Administration) of Teaching Hospital, General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, Director of Overseas Operations at Army Headquarters, Director General of Overseas Operations at Army Headquarters, General Officer Commanding of 61 Infantry Division, District Coordinating Officer in Galle, Adjutant General of the Army, Commander, Security Forces - Mullaittivu, Commandant of Sri Lanka Army Volunteer Force and the Deputy Chief of Staff of the Army.
He has followed many local and foreign courses during his military career, such as Long Sniper Course, Unit Coaches Course, Basic Marksmanship Course, Advanced Marksmanship Course, Light Machine Guns (LMG) Marksmanship Course, Practical Pistol Shooting Course, Artillery Young Officers’ Course - Pakistan, Artillery Mid-Career Course - Pakistan, Officers’ Physical Training Course - India, Artillery Battalion Commanders’ Course - China, Defence and Strategic Studies Course - China and Law of Armed Conflict Course - Turkey.
