Header

Sri Lanka Army

Defender of the Nation

01st July 2017 22:46:37 Hours

New Chief of Defence Staff After Military Honours Assumes Duties

General Crisanthe De Silva, the newly appointed Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) who is also the Commander of the Army assumed duties in the CDS office at the BMICH premises on Thursday (29) after a brief religious ceremony.

The day’s itinerary got to a start after a tri-service Guard Turnout and a Guard of Honour greeted the new CDS on arrival at the MoD ground premises. Commanding Officer Army Headquarters Battalion received him at the entrance to the premises before he was formally welcomed by Major General Nirmal Dharmaratne, Director General General Staff at the CDS Office before he was conducted to review the tri-service parade.

On arrival at the CDS office premises after a few minutes, Major General Nirmal Dharmaratne, Director General General Staff at the Office of the Chief of Defence Staff on behalf of tri-services, welcomed the new CDS at the entrance and accompanied him to his office.

Symbolizing the formal inauguration of the new office, he was invited to light the traditional oil lamp in accordance with age-old traditions. After paying obeisance to the Buddha, the new CDS formally signed an official document, amid Seth Pirith chanting of the Maha Sangha who were present at the occasion.

Members of the Maha Sangha afterwards invoked blessings on General Crisanthe De Silva before he offered Pirikara to members of the Maha Sangha as a tradition.

The brief ceremony of the day culminated with an All Rank tea arrangement and a group photo that added memories to the occasion.

Senior Tri Service Officers and Officers were present at the event.

trace affiliate link | Nike