New SLE Colonel Commandant Takes Office

Major General Sudantha Ranasinghe, the newly-appointed Colonel Commandant of the Sri Lanka Engineers (SLE) Regiment assumed duties on Wednesday (8) during a simple ceremony at the SLE Regimental Centre, Panagoda.

On arrival at the Regimental premises, he was welcomed by the SLE Centre Commandant. A Guard Turnout presented by SLE troops greeted him at the entrance in keeping with military formalities.

A few minutes later, Major General Ranasinghe saluted the memory of fallen War Heroes by laying a floral wreath at the SLE war monument in the premises.

In his office afterwards Major General Sudantha Ranasinghe formally placed his signature for an official document and signified the acceptance of the new office, amidst ‘Seth Pirith’ chanting of the Maha Sangha.

In another symbolic gesture, the new Colonel Commandant added memories to his office by unveiling a photograph of the former Colonel Commandant of the SLE, Major General Channa Goonetilleke (retired).

A few minutes later, the new Colonel Commandant was conducted to the saluting dais at the parade ground to receive the salute in the formal Guard of Honour, presented by the troops of his Regiment.

Before he took part in a common tea table as a measure of fellowship, Major General Ranasinghe posed for a group photograph with a representative group of SLE officers.

Towards the end of the day’s itinerary, he spoke to the officers at the head office complex in the Regimental Headquarters and shared a couple of views with regard to different administrative roles and other projects.