08th June 2022 16:50:06 Hours
A farewell ceremony to the retiring Major General Kithsiri Liyanage, Colonel of the Regiment of Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment (SLSR) and the former Commander of the Security Forces - West got underway at the SLSR Regimental Centre at Ambepussa on 14 May 2022 before his retirement after completion of 35 years of service to the country and the Army.
In accordance with military traditions, Lieutenant Colonel Aruna Kulasinghe, General Staff Officer -Commanding - I, Regimental Centre, SLSR, welcomed the Chief Guest on arrival and invited him to review the Guard Turnout at the main entrance.
Afterwards, he was accompanied by Colonel Dulitha Perera, Deputy Centre Commandant, SLSR RHQ to receive the salute of the Guard of Honour, presented by troops in his honour. After a while, he was invited to commemorate fallen War Heroes at the SLSR War Heroes’ monument by placing a wreath.
Later on the day, he joined All Ranks for refreshments at the Warrant Officers’ and Sergeants’ Mess where he shared a few thoughts with the attendees.
Afterwards, he was invited to inaugurate the newly-done Sinha Cricket Ground in the Regimental compound as a symbol of memory of his service to the SLSR Regimental Centre. He cut a ribbon and opened the new pitch.
The new Sinha Cricket Ground with five turfs provides space for outside civil cricketers to organize first-class matches and other national level tournaments inside the Regimental HQ premises.
With the coordination of the Chairman, National Cricket Board, 80 x 80 feet Turf Cover, Turf cutter and two boundary ropes were also received as a donation to further enhance the quality of the turf.
Later on, the retiring Major General Kithsiri Liyanage, the day’s Chief Guest was accompanied to open the Corporals’ Club, New Rest & Recreational Facility by cutting ribbons and unveiling a plaque.
All those recreational facilities were made available following initiatives, taken by Major General Kithsiri Liyanage, Colonel of the Regiment who also put up a Corporals’ Club for all Non Commissioned Officers.
The new facility, the 'Corporals' Club' provides newspapers and reading materials, TVs, indoor games and other recreational tools, and was constructed within a short period of time by the troops of the Sinha Regiment on the instructions of Major General Kithsiri Liyanage. It was also opened by the retiring Senior Officer.
During the ceremony, all Officers and Other Ranks of the Regiment Centre extended their heartfelt gratitude to the outgoing distinguished senior officer for his commitment and dedication to the Sinha Regiment and wished him a healthy, wealthy, peaceful and prosperous life.
To recognize his military leadership and unparalleled contribution to the Army, a special memento was presented to the outgoing Colonel of the Regiment by Major General Dharshana Wijesekara, General Officer Commanding, 54 Division during the formal dinner on behalf of the newly-appointed Colonel of the Regiment, Major General Priyantha Jayawardana, Commander, Security Forces - East.
Major General Kithsiri Liyanage on 14 May 2022 retired from the service after an exemplary service of more than 34 years. Former Commander of the Army General Shavendra Silva earlier invited him to his office and extended his best wishes on his retirement.
