Distinguished Service of Retiring Senior Gunner Officer Commended

The retiring Major General W. Chandrasiri RSP USP psc of the Sri Lanka Artillery (SLA), the General Officer Commanding of 24 Infantry Division, upon invitation, arrived at the office of the Commander of the Army, Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage RWP RSP ndu, on 17 April 2024 along with his family members.

Having served the Army for more than 34 years in an exemplary manner, the Senior Officer will retire shortly. During the meeting, the Army Chief praised him for his notable service and the diverse responsibilities he tirelessly fulfilled with commitment and dedication. He also reminisced about the retiree’s invaluable sacrifices and dedicated roles during the height of the war against terrorism as a gunner Officer before May 2009 and in the post-war scenario.

The Army Chief, while exchanging pleasantries with the family members present, inquired about the retiring Senior Officer's future endeavours and plans, wishing him good luck. He also commended the invaluable support given by the family members throughout the outgoing Senior Officer's service in the Army.

In turn, the retiring Senior Officer thanked the Commander of the Army for his wishes and guidance, mentioning the encouragement he received in performing his duties. Towards the end of the interaction, the Commander of the Army presented a special memento to Major General W Chandrasiri RSP USP psc as a symbol of appreciation and commendation, and gifts to the family members.

Here follows a brief profile of the retiring Senior Officer:

Major General W. Chandrasiri RSP USP psc joined the Regular Force of the Sri Lanka Army as an Officer Cadet on 14 July 1989. After completing military training at the Sri Lanka Military Academy, Diyatalawa in Intake 32, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant on 19 January 1991 and posted to the Sri Lanka Artillery (SLA). Throughout his career, he held various appointments and steadily elevated to subsequent ranks, ultimately reaching the rank of Major General on 04 February 2023.

He held the office of the General Officer Commanding of 24 Infantry Division at the time of his retirement. He also held appointments such as Troop Commander, Intelligence Officer and Battery Captain of 6 SLA, Battery Commander of 4 SLA, Officer Instructor of Officer Cadet Training Wing at Sri Lanka Military Academy, General Staff Officer 2 (Training) of Security Force Headquarters - East, Staff Officer 2 (Additional) of Investigation Cell, Military Secretary’s Branch at Army Headquarters, Military Observer of the United Nations Mission in Sudan (UNMIS), Officiating General Staff Officer 1 (Coordinating) and Officiating General Staff Officer 1 (Operations) of Security Force Headquarters - Jaffna, Commanding Officer of 16 SLA, Chief Instructor of Special Young Officers Course at Infantry Training Centre, Directing Staff of Defence Services Command and Staff College, Chief Instructor of Officers Study Centre at Sri Lanka Military Academy, Chief Instructor of Officer Career Development Centre, Officiating Commander, 241 Infantry Brigade, Deputy Commandant of Ranaviru Sevana, Brigadier (Coordinating) of National Operation Centre for Prevention of COVID-19 Outbreak and Deputy Vice Chancellor of General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University.

For his bravery and gallantry on the battlefield, he has been awarded the ‘Rana Sura Padakkama’.

He has completed numerous local and foreign courses during his military career, such as Artillery Young Officers’ Course, Unit Intelligence Officers’ Course, International Humanitarian Law & Human Rights Basic Law Instructors’ Course, Human Rights Instructors Training Course, Defence Attaché Orientation Course, Army Command and Staff Course, Artillery Young Officers’ Course - India, ANPTQ 36 Mortar Locating Radar Course - United States of America, Introductory Officers Surveillance and Target Acquisition Course - India, Advanced Gunnery Course - India and United Nations Military Observers Course (UNMOC) - Bangladesh.

The Senior Officer also holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Conflict and Peace Studies obtained from the University of Colombo.