02nd June 2020 17:55:13 Hours
Major General Rasika Fernando this morning (2) assumed office as the new Deputy Chief of Staff (DCOS) of the Sri Lanka Army at the Army Headquarters in Sri Jayewardenepura amid religious observances.
The proceedings began after the new Deputy Chief of Staff arrived at the office, together with a few officers and lit the traditional oil lamp after he made offerings to the Buddha and set the stage ready for the Maha Sangha to invoke blessings.
Amidst chanting of ‘Seth Pirith’, Major General Rasika Fernando afterwards placed his signature for an official document, symbolizing the formal acceptance of the new office.
A representative gathering of Senior Officers were there to extend best wishes to him at the occasion.
Major General Rasika Fernando of Gajaba Regiment was serving as the Commander Security Forces - East before he was appointed to this office. He succeeded Major General Nirmal Dharmarathna who retired from the Army.
Enlisted to the Sri Lanka Army on 06.06.1985 to the regular officer Cadet Intake 21 of the Sri Lanka Military Academy and commissioned as a 2 Lieutenant of Sri Lanka Army Gajaba Regiment, he has served a number of command and staff appointments of the Army.
Among those key appointments, he held were the office of the 221 Brigade Commander, Brigadier General Staff (SFHQ-South), Brigadier General Staff (SFHQ-West), Brigadier General Staff (SFHQ-E), Director Infantry of Army Headquarters, General Officer Commanding, 68 Division, Director General General Staff of the OCDS, and the Commander, Security Forces - East just before he took over the office of the Deputy Chief of Staff. Major General Rasika Fernando is also the Colonel of the Regiment of Sri Lanka National Guard.
To his credit, he was awarded the 'Rana Sura Padakkama' (RSP) for his bravery during humanitarian operations and a few more medals.
During his military career of more than 34 years, he has followed many local and foreign courses, including the Junior Officers' Leader Course in Pakistan, Young Officers' Course in India, Junior Command Course, India and a few more courses before he received his graduation from the National Defence College in Bangladesh.Sportswear Design | Men's Footwear
