19th March 2022 20:38:55 Hours
Major General Crishantha Gnanaratne assumed office as the 2nd Commander of 1 Corps on Monday (14), amidst religious and traditional military formalities at the 1 Corps Headquarters premises at Kilinochchi.
The day’s proceedings commenced with the arrival of the new Commander where a Guard Turnout presented by the Commando Regiment saluted him at the entrance. Subsequently, he was warmly welcomed and accompanied by the Brigadier General Staff at 1 Corps, Brigadier J.P.C Peiris to review the Guard of Honour, presented by 5 Gemunu Watch troops at the Headquarters’ parade ground.
Thereafter, amid religious rites and rituals, followed by the ‘Seth Pirith’ chanting of the Maha Sangha, Major General Crishantha Gnanaratne assumed his duties in the new office, placing his signature symbolically on an official document at the auspicious minute to signify the acceptance of his new office.
Later, the Commander posed for a few group photographs with the General Officers Commanding, Brigade Commanders, Commanding Officers under command to the 1 Corps and Staff Officers. Afterwards, the Commander was invited to plant a sapling in the Headquarters premises as a symbol of memory.
Subsequently, the incoming Corps Commander addressed the troops at the ‘Nelumpiyasa’ Multifunctional Hall. As the day’s final showcase, the Commander attended an all-rank tea at the same venue. The event was held with strict adherence to health guidelines and regulations.
