06th October 2023 23:06:59 Hours
The Commander of the Army, Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage RWP RSP ndu this morning (06 Oct) heaped praise on retiring Major General W.B.S.M Abeysekera RSP VSV USP, Director General, Financial Management Branch, Army Headquarters and Colonel Commandant, Sri Lanka Army Corps of Agriculture and Livestock after inviting him to the Commander's office, together with his family members.
The Army Chief spoke high of the dedicated and exemplary commitment of the retiring Senior Officer of the Sri Lanka Artillery and recalled memories in the battlefield and also in the post-war scenario. The Commander of the Army also inquired about his future plans and wished him good luck with his future endeavours.
He shared some pleasantries with the retiring Senior Officer and also did not forget to share a couple of thoughts with his wife and three children who were present at the office. He also did not fail to mention the support that the retiree’s family members have given the outgoing Senior Officer in the performance of his demanding roles.
During the cordial interaction, the Commander of the Army was also exceptionally pleased to speak to the son of the reputed Gunner, Major General W.B.S.M Abeysekera RSP VSV USP who is now a Lieutenant in the Sri Lanka Artillery. The Army Chief while encouraging him to continue 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 W.B.S.M Abeysekera RSP VSV USP also in turn thanked the Commander of the Army for his wishes and 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.
Here follows a brief profile of the retiring Senior Officer;
Major General W.B.S.M Abeysekera RSP VSV USP was enlisted in the Regular Force of the Sri Lanka Army as an Officer Cadet on 22 February 1988. 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 Sri Lanka Artillery (SLA) on 16 December 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 28 January 2021.
Major General W.B.S.M Abeysekera RSP VSV USP, being a dedicated gunner has been decorated with the Rana Sura Padakkama (RSP) for his excellent display of bravery in the face of the enemy.
He has been holding the Office of the Director General, Financial Management Branch, Army Headquarters and Colonel Commandant, Sri Lanka Army Corps of Agriculture and Livestock at the time of his retirement. He also held the appointments of Officer Instructor of Recruit Training Centre at Panagoda, Troop Commander at 4 SLA, Intelligence Officer of 4 SLA, Battery Captain of 4 SLA, Battery Commander of 4 SLA, Adjutant of 4 SLA, Aide-De-Camp to Overall Operation Commander, Aide-De-Camp to Deputy Chief of Staff at Army Headquarters, Staff Officer 2 of Military Secretary's Branch at Army Headquarters, Staff Officer 1 of Military Secretary's Branch at Army Headquarters, Staff Officer 1 (Administration) of Regimental Centre of SLA, Officiating Chief of Staff at Regimental Centre of SLA, Deputy Centre Commandant of Regimental Centre of SLA, Colonel Sports of Directorate of Sports at Army Headquarters, Deputy Commandant of Ranaviru Resource Centre, Overlooking Commandant of Ranaviru Resource Centre, Director, Directorate of Rehabilitation at Army Headquarters, Director General of Directorate of Rehabilitation at Army Headquarters and Chairman of Sri Lanka Army Cricket Committee.
He has followed many local and foreign courses during his military career, such as Artillery Young Officers’ Course, Regimental Signal Officers’ Course, Officers’ Par Excellence Course, Intelligence Officers’ Course, Artillery Young Officers’ Course – India, Officers’ Artillery Locating Course – Pakistan, ANPTQ 36 Weapon Locating Radar Course - United States of America and Advanced Gunnery Course – India.
In addition, the Senior Officer has read for a Master of Public Administration at University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Diploma in Conflict Resolution Skills Development at Bandaranaike Centre for International Studies, Diploma in Professional Diplomacy at Bandaranaike Centre for International Studies and Sport Administrators' Course at National Olympic Committee.
