05th October 2023 21:00:04 Hours
Major General D.M.K.D.B Pussella RWP RSP, Commandant of Sri Lanka Army Volunteer Force and Colonel of the Regiment of Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment who is to retire from the Army after a landmark career of 36 years was invited this afternoon (5 October) to the office of the Commander of the Army, Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage RWP RSP ndu, together with his family members.
The Army Chief during cordial interactions spoke high of the dedicated and exemplary commitment of the retiring infantryman of the Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment and shared a few reminiscences about operational aspects in the humanitarian operations that freed the country from the vicious cycle of LTTE terrorism.
Likewise, the Commander of the Army gratefully commended the role performed during his tenure as Commandant of Sri Lanka Army Volunteer Force and Colonel of the Regiment of Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment while inquiring about his future plans, prospects. In a moving gesture, the Army Chief closely wished him good luck with his future endeavours.
The Army Chief also did not forget to share a couple of thoughts with his wife and two children who were present at the office while commending the support that the retiree’s family members have given to the outgoing officer in the performance of his challenging roles, particularly during the peak of humanitarian operations.
The Commander of the Army was also exceptionally pleased to speak to the elder son of the reputed infantryman, Major General D.M.K.D.B Pussella RWP RSP, who is now a Second Lieutenant in the Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment. The Army Chief while encouraging him for his career prospects lent his best wishes to the budding officer and wanted him to be groomed to be a distinguished military leader of the Army in the future.
Major General D.M.K.D.B Pussella RWP RSP, in turn, thanked the Commander of the Army for his wishes and effective guidance while mentioning the encouragement he received during his tenure of service in the organization.
Towards the end of the interactions, Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage awarded a special memento to the outgoing retiree as a symbol of appreciation and commendation along with a special gift to the family. The gesture was reciprocated.
In addition, in a rare gesture the Commander of the Army recognizing the contribution of the outgoing Senior Officer pinned a Commendation Badge on him.
Here follows a brief profile of the retiring Senior Officer;
Major General D.M.K.D.B Pussella RWP RSP was enlisted in the Regular Force of the Sri Lanka Army as an Officer Cadet on 21 July 1987. Upon successful completion of military training at the Sri Lanka Military Academy, Diyatalawa, he was commissioned in the rank of Second Lieutenant and posted to the Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment on 23 June 1989. After being steadily elevated to subsequent ranks in the span of his service in the Army, he was promoted to the rank of Major General on 08 January 2021
Major General D.M.K.D.B Pussella RWP RSP, being a dedicated infantryman has been decorated with the Rana Wickrama Padakkama (RWP) and Rana Sura Padakkama (RSP) for his excellent display of bravery in the face of the enemy.
He has been holding the office of the Commandant of Sri Lanka Army Volunteer Force and Colonel of the Regiment of Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment at the time of his retirement. He also held the appointments of Platoon Commander of 1 VIR, Intelligence Officer of 6 VIR, Officer Commanding of 6 VIR, Officer Commanding of 8 VIR, General Staff Officer 3 (Operations) of 53 Infantry Division, Operation and Training Officer of 1 VIR, Operation and Training Officer of 9 VIR, Officer Instructor at Non-Commissioned Officers Training School, Chief Instructor at Non-Commissioned Officers Training School, Second-in-Command of 8 and 4 VIR, Commanding Officer of 7 VIR , Staff Officer 1(Administration) at Regimental Centre VIR, General Staff Officer 1 (Operations) of Area Headquarters- Welioya, Colonel (General Staff of 56 Infantry Division, Officiating Chief of Staff- Regimental Centre VIR, Centre Commandant of Regimental Centre VIR, Brigade Commander of 222 Infantry Brigade, Commandant of Joint Services Language Training Institute, Commandant of Army Training School, General Officer Commanding of 62 and 51 Infantry Divisions, Adjutant General of Army Headquarters, Commander of Security Forces (West), Colonel of the Regiment Mechanized Infantry Regiment and Colonel Commandant of Sri Lanka Army General Service Corps.
He has followed many local and foreign courses during his military career such as Officers’ Mid-Career Unit Administration Course, Basic Parachute Course, Young Officers’ Infantry Course- Pakistan, Junior Command Course - India, Army Battalion Commanders’ Course – China, United Nations Contingent Commanders' Course- Bangladesh.
