Commander Opens Extended Facilities at Gemunu Watch Headquarters

The Gemunu Watch (GW) Regimental Headquarters at Kuruwita, Ratnapura, got its new two-storied accommodation complex for Other Rankers and renovated Other Ranks’ Mess opened by the Commander of the Army, Lieutenant General Mahesh Senanayake during a ceremony at the venue Wednesday (21) morning.

The new two-storied accommodation complex and the completely-renovated Other Ranks’ Mess in the GW compound were symbolically opened by Lieutenant General Mahesh Senanayake, Commander of the Army by unveiling a plaque and cutting a ribbon. Major General Dampath Fernando, Colonel of the Regiment, GW who is also the Deputy Chief of Staff in the Army invited the day’s Chief Guest to inaugurate both projects.

Major General Dampath Fernando, Colonel of the Regiment, GW welcomed the day's Chief Guest Lieutenant General Mahesh Senanayake, Commander of the Army as melodies of patriotic songs began reverberating. A group of Kandyan ‘Ves' dancers conducted the Chief Guest to the location in a procession and invited him to warm the new buildings.

Before the opening of new buildings, the Commander was invited to plant a sapling in the premises as a token of memory of his visit to the GW Headquarters.

Lieutenant General Senanayake in a solemn ceremony, a few minutes later, together with the GW Centre Commandant, Brigadier Jayampathi Tilakaratne laid a floral wreath at the foot of the GW War Memorial and saluted the memory of fallen War Heroes before he attended the main ceremony.

Before the troops’ address at the auditorium complex, the Commander was invited to join an All Rank tea table where he did not forget to share a couple of thoughts with Officers and Other Rankers present there.

During the Commander’s address, he appreciated GW’s Operational and Sports achievements for which he paid a special tribute.

Towards the end of the ceremony, Major General Dampath Fernando, Colonel of the Regiment, GW extended his gratitude to the Commander and presented him with a memento to mark the visit. Before that all those who sweated in a unique manner were rewarded with a special certificate of recognition.

A special Guard Turn Out and a Guard of Honour saluted the Commander of the Army in conformity with military traditions during the Commander’s stay in the GW Headquarters complex.

The Commander left his signature in the GW Visitors’ Book before his departure from Kuruwita.