Commander's First Field Visit to SFHQ-KLN Prioritizes Articulation of His Vision

Lieutenant General Mahesh Senanayake, Commander of the Army, making his first formal field visit to the Security Force Headquarters - Kilinochchi (SFHQ-KLN) upon his assumption of office, arrived there Thursday (30) morning to be warmly received by Major General Ajith Kariyakarawana, Commander, SF-KLN.

A formal Guard Turnout plus a Guard of Honour greeted the day’s Chief Guest before Lieutenant General Mahesh Senanayake was invited to address the troops at the SFHQ-KLN. 9 Sri Lanka Engineers (9 SLE) of the SFHQ-KLN presented the Guard of Honour to the visiting Lieutenant General Mahesh Senanayake. The day’s elaborate and hectic programme saw inauguration of several welfare-related projects and the Commander’s visit to the 66 Division Headquarters.

The visiting Army Chief during separate meetings with Major General Ajith Kariyakarawana, Commander, SF-KLN, General Officers Commanding of the Divisions, Brigade Commanders, Senior Officers and Battalion Commanders serving the SFHQ-KLN, clearly but briefly, spelt out his vision under his command and shared views with them on matters of relevance.

Afterwards, he went to the Nelum Piyasa auditorium inside the SFHQ-KLN premises to meet more than 150 Officers and 1200 Other Rankers, awaiting to listen to him. Arrangements at the Nelum Piyasa auditorium also facilitated All Ranks to partake of refreshments with the Commander. Presentation of a symbolic souvenir to the Commander to appreciate his visit to the SFHQ-KLN was also made at the same location.

During the troop address, the Commander underlined the importance of discipline at all levels as Army personnel, dedicated to the national security of the country. He also pointed out the need to maintain excellent relations with civilians in respective areas and launch projects that would help promote ethnic harmony, understanding and reconciliation.

Commander of the Army also highlighted the theme of the Army for the year 2018, ‘Rata Rakina Jathiya - Sri Lanka Army’ and urged everyone to commit to the organization and help develop the country in the future. “Best welfare is the training and all of us after retirement should not get involved in politics and one should not forget the past war and incidents”. He also urged all members not to fall prey to illegal acts since it would tarnish the image.

Commander’s planting of a sapling in the SFHQ-KLN premises and sitting for group photos with all rankers as memories of his visit to the SFHQ-KLN were included in the rest of the day’s itinerary. Next, the Commander went to the Hasalaka Gamini War memorial complex at Elephant Pass (EPS) and attended the opening of the newly-constructed accommodation complex for All Rankers.

Towards the latter part of his agenda, the Commander also inaugurated the newly-constructed ‘Main Dressing Station (MDS)’ building at the 66 Division Headquarters in Pooneryn at the invitation of the General Officer Commanding, 66 Division, Major General Duminda Keppetiwalana. He also took time off to interact with All Rankers at the location and shared a couple of views with them.

The day’s itinerary came to end with planting of a sapling in the premises. He posed for a group photograph, signed the Visitors’ Book and participated in refreshments, organized at the 66 Division Headquarters.

Commander of the Army will make his formal visit to the Security Force Headquarters - Mullaittivu (SFHQ-MLT) during 1-2 December.