New Chief of Staff Extended a Warm Reception in His Own RHQ Premises

Troops of the Sri Lanka Light Infantry (SLLI) hosted a warm reception and felicitated the recently-appointed new Chief of Staff of the Sri Lanka Army Major General Jagath Kodithuwakku on Saturday (11) when he arrived at the Regimental HQ (RHQ) upon assumption of his new office as the 60th Chief of Staff in the Army.

Brigadier Krishantha Piris, Centre Commandant, SLLI-RHQ warmly received the day's Chief Guest on arrival before a Guard Turnout at the entrance greeted him in accordance with military formalities. Subsequently, Major General Jagath Kodithuwakku was ushered to the SLLI parade square where a colourful Guard of Honour, presented by SLLI-RHQ troops saluted him. After the Parade Commander reported, the day's Chief Guest reviewed the parade amidst soothing melodies before he took the salute from the special dais.

After a while, several group photographs at the occasion added eternity to the day's importance. Next, was the commemoration of fallen SLLI War Heroes at the SLLI War Heroes’ memorial. Recalling invaluable sacrifices of all fallen SLLI War Heroes, the new Chief of Staff in a solemn moment laid a floral wreath at the monument and paid his glowing tribute to the memories of those brave infantrymen.

The day's agenda next invited the new Chief of Staff to inaugurate the newly-installed elevator which provides easy passage to the new Auditorium, Canteen complex and Other Ranks' Mess, all housed in the same complex.

The occasion assumed greater significance as Major General Jagath Kodithuwakku was then invited to formally address the troops of SLLI at the auditorium where he underlined the need to continue SLLI troops' dedicated roles for the best interests of the Army and the country alike.

A few minutes later, Major General Jagath Kodithuwakku was hosted to an All Rank tea at the Corporals' Club where he took time off to share a few thoughts with Officers and Other Ranks present there.

Before his exit from the SLLI Headquarters, the visiting Chief of Staff left his signature in the Visitors' Book adding symbolic memories to his visit to the SLLI Headquarters as the new Chief of Staff of the Army.

A gathering of SLLI Senior Officers, Officers and Other Ranks witnessed the day's proceedings.