Major General Shantha Dissanayake Honoured in Farewell Salute

The Gajaba Regiment on Saturday (21) bade farewell to Major General Shantha Dissanayake who had rendered an exemplary service to the Regiment and the country during a formal military ceremony at the Gajaba Regimental Centre, Home of Keterians at Saliyapura.

The retiring Major General was warmly welcomed by the Deputy Centre Commandant, Colonel Mahinda Rajapakshe at the main gate and greeted in a Guard Turnout. Then, he paid his tribute to the father of the Gajaba Regiment, late Major General Vijaya Wimalarathne by placing a floral wreath at the foot of his statue.

Thereafter, he took the salute in a colorful military parade after he was welcomed by the Officiating Centre Commandant, Colonel Harendra Peiris on behalf of the Colonel of the Regiment, all Officers and Other Ranks of the Gajaba Regiment. The charming but the dignified military parade was reviewed by the retiring Major General Shantha Dissanayake, accompanied by the Parade Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Dinesh Bulathsinghala, together with the Centre Commandant in conformity with military traditions.

Major General Shantha Dissanayake also attended an all rank tea party at the Men’s Club. The, day’s programme concluded with an elegant farewell dinner at the Officers’ Mess. The Colonel of the Regiment and the Adjutant General Major General Shavendra Silva and Mrs Sujeewa Nelson, the Chairperson of the Gajaba Seva Vanitha Unit warmly welcomed the retiring Major General Shantha Dissanayake and Mrs Nayani Padeniya on their arrival at the Officers’ Mess.

After the dinner, Major General Shavendra Silva shared his fond memories of Major General Shantha Dissanayake during his farewell speech and paid sincere gratitude for the services he rendered over 35 years in his illustrious career. Finally, Major General Shavendra Silva presented a memento to his retiring comrade, Major General Shantha Dissanayake in accordance with the tradition of the Gajaba Regiment. The distinguished gathering organized a surprise birthday cake to coincide his 55th birthday celebration towards the end of the ceremony. All of them wished him good luck with his future.