23rd June 2022 19:16:26 Hours
Ending more than 33 years of exemplary service, Major General Shane Gunawardena of Gajaba Regiment, Deputy Commandant, Sri Lanka Army Volunteer Force HQ on the verge of his retirement from the Army was invited to the office of the Commander of the Army, Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage at the Army Headquarters on Thursday (23).
During the interactive meet, the Army Chief, Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage commended Major General Shane Gunawardena’s dedicated and committed roles in various capacities and his exemplary conduct as a senior Sri Lanka Army Volunteer Force officer and recalled his challenging roles in field formations during humanitarian operations before May 2009. He also shared a few recollections with the retiring Senior Officer.
His contribution to a variety of offices and appointments was also recalled to memory during the meet where the Commander of the Army his office there and how he rendered notably in some of the appointments in the past 33 years.
The outgoing Senior Officer also thanked the Commander of the Army for his wishes and the thoughtfulness while mentioning about the encouragement he received from the incumbent Army Chief and his predecessors in the performance of his duties.
Towards the end of the interaction, Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage awarded a special memento to the outgoing Major General Shane Gunawardena as a symbol of appreciation and commendation.
His spouse, Mrs N.K Sujeewa Priyadharshani and their daughter and the son were also associated with the meet at the Commander's office.
Upon completion of his secondary education, Major General Shane Gunawardena joined the Sri Lanka Army Volunteer Force as an Officer Cadet under the Intake 11 and was posted subsequently to the 5th Battalion Gajaba Regiment on 30 April 1990.
He executed his assignments of duties in operational and non-operational areas holding designations of Platoon Commander at 5 (Volunteer) Gajaba Regiment , Unit Intelligence Officer at 5 (Volunteer) Gajaba Regiment , General Staff officer 111 (Training) of Headquarters, Sri Lanka Army Volunteer Force, Company Commander at 5 (Volunteer) Gajaba Regiment, 2 (Volunteer) Gajaba Regiment and 12 Sri Lanka National Guard, Second in Command of 17 Sri Lanka National Guard and 2 (Volunteer) Gajaba Regiment, Commanding Officer of 11 (Volunteer) Gajaba Regiment, Liaison Officer of Regimental Headquarters Gajaba Regiment, Civil Affairs Officer of 142 Brigade, Colonel Coordinating Officer of 57 Division, Colonel Training of Headquarters, Sri Lanka Army Volunteer Force, and the Center Commandant of Regimental Center, Sri Lanka National Guard.
His bravery in the battlefield was recognized by awarding him the Rana Sura Padakkama (RSP). In addition, he was awarded the Karyakshama Seva Padakkama (KSP). Upon completion of his secondary education, he joined the Sri Lanka Army Volunteer Force as an Officer Cadet in the Intake 11. Upon successful completion of the basic military training at the Sri Lanka Military Academy, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant and was posted to the 5th Battalion Gajaba Regiment on 30 April 1990.
