Commander Meets Troops at the SFHQ-E

Lieutenant General Mahesh Senanayake, Commander of the Army on Saturday (28), making his formal visit to the Security Force Headquarters - East (SFHQ-E) met a representative gathering of Officers and Other Ranks and exchanged views on different welfare aspects of the troops after receiving an update.

The day’s itinerary of the Commander’s scheduled visit to the SFHQ-E got to a start after Major General Nandana Senadeera, Commander, SF-E welcomed the visiting Army Chief. A formal Guard Turnout at the entrance to the SFHQ-East greeted him.

In accordance with military formalities, the Commander was saluted afterwards in a Guard of Honour, accorded by 7 Field Engineers serving the SFHQ-E. The visiting Army Chief reviewed it with the Parade Commander a little while later and took the salute.

Then, the Commander addressed a gathering of a few more than 1000 troops of the SFHQ-E, drawn from the Forward Maintenance Area (FMA), all Divisions and Brigades where he underlined the importance of training, maintenance of discipline and excellent relations with the general public.

Then the visiting Commander of the Army was invited to formally open the new Other Rankers’ Holiday Bungalow inside the SFHQ-E premises after lighting the traditional oil lamp amidst chanting of ‘Seth Pirith’ by the members of ‘Maha Sanga’. Giving due recognition, the Commander requested the Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM)of the SF-E to join the ribbon cutting and do the house warming rituals.

The Chief Guest, flanked by Senior Officers had a thorough look inside and attentively inquired into the facilities available for Other Rankers in the new holiday bungalow after visiting its rooms.

Planting of a sapling in the newly-opened Other Ranks’ holiday bungalow premises, sitting for a group photograph and an All Rank tea table were among major segments in the day’s itinerary at the SFHQ-E at Welikanda.

During the latter part of the day’s programme Major General Nandana Senadeera, Commander, SF-E in a separate conference briefed the Commander on the status quo and other subjects of relevance in the area.

He also presented a memento to the visiting Commander of the Army as a token of goodwill and memory before the scheduled programme was wound up.

The Commander also did not forget to speak to the troops serving there and inquired into their requirements and other welfare measures during interactive moments during refreshments.

Leaving a few lines of compliments in the visitors’ book, the Commander took leave of them in the same afternoon (28).