New 55 Division GOC Assumes Office

Brigadier Jayantha Gunarathne, the new General Officer Commanding (GOC), 55 Division of the Security Force Headquarters - Jaffna (SFHQ-J) assumed office at the 55 Division Headquarters, Kaddaikadu, Jaffna on Friday (15) as the 22nd GOC of the Headquarters.

A formal Guard Turnout greeted the new GOC at the entrance to the Headquarters before he inspected the parade, presented in his honour at the parade ground. The new GOC then added memories to the occasion by planting a sandalwood sapling in the premises.

A brief religious ceremony, graced by monks and clergy of all four major denominations, Buddhist, Hindu, Catholic and Islamic religions, invoked blessings on the new appointment a few minutes later before the new GOC left his signature for a formal document to signify the acceptance of his new appointment.

Brigadier Gunarathne a little later addressed all ranks and urged them to fulfill their duties to the best of their ability with a view to promoting durable peace and reconciliation in the country.

An all rank tea arrangement in the premises afterwards enabled the new GOC to share a couple of views with the attendees. The new GOC also did not forget to have a separate meeting with the Officers serving the 55 Division before the day’s event culminated.