13th February 2024 18:34:40 Hours
The retiring Major General H.G.P.M Kariyawasam RSP ndc psc IG of the Sri Lanka Artillery (SLA), former General Officer Commanding of 56 Infantry Division, arrived at the office of the Commander of the Army, Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage RWP RSP ndu, on Tuesday (13) along with his family members, upon invitation.
Having served the Army for more than 34 years in an exemplary manner, the Senior Officer will retire shortly. During the meeting, the Army Chief praised him for his notable service and the diverse responsibilities he tirelessly fulfilled with commitment and dedication. He also reminisced about the retiree’s invaluable sacrifices and dedicated roles during the height of the war against terrorism as a gunner Officer before May 2009 and in the Post-War Scenario.
The Army Chief, while exchanging pleasantries with the family members present, inquired about the retiring Senior Officer's future endeavours and plans, wishing him good luck. He also commended the invaluable support given by the family members throughout the outgoing Senior Officer's duty roles at ground level.
In turn, the retiring Senior Officer thanked the Commander of the Army for his wishes and guidance, mentioning the encouragement he received in performing his duties. Towards the end of the interaction, Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage awarded a special memento to Major General H.G.P.M Kariyawasam RSP ndc psc IG 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 H.G.P.M Kariyawasam RSP ndc psc IG enlisted in the Sri Lanka Army on 14 July 1989 and underwent basic military training at the Sri Lanka Military Academy in Intake 32. He was commissioned in the rank of Second Lieutenant and posted to the Sri Lanka Artillery. After steadily rising through the ranks during his service, he was promoted to the rank of Major General on 03 August 2022.
He held the position of General Officer Commanding of 56 Infantry Division at the time of his retirement. Additionally, he served as Troop Commander of 16th Battery, 6th Field Regiment Sri Lanka Artillery, Platoon Commander of Army Training School, Adjutant of 4th Sri Lanka National Guard, Troop Commander of 15th Battery, 6th Field Regiment Sri Lanka Artillery, Battery Captain of 14th Battery, 6th Field Regiment Sri Lanka Artillery, General Staff Officer 3 (Operations) of Artillery Brigade, Battery Captain of 16th Battery, 6th Field Regiment Sri Lanka Artillery, Staff Officer 2 (Administration) of 23 Infantry Division, Brigade Major of Artillery Brigade, Second-in-Command of 11th Regiment Sri Lanka Artillery, Additional Contingent Commander of Sri Lanka Battalion United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH), General Staff Officer 1 (Additional) UN Cell of Directorate of Operations, Commanding Officer of 8th Medium Regiment Sri Lanka Artillery, General Staff Officer 1 (Training) of Directorate of Training, Staff Officer of United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei, South Sudan (UNISFA), Colonel (General Staff) of Security Force Headquarters (Mullaitivu),Director (Sports) of the Ministry of Education, Officiating Brigade Commander of 592 Infantry Brigade, Centre Commandant of Regimental Centre Sri Lanka Artillery and Director of Directorate of Staff Duties.
For his bravery and gallantry in the battlefields, he has been awarded ‘Rana Sura Padakkama’.
Throughout his military career, he has completed numerous local and foreign courses, including the Artillery Young Officers’ Course, Battalion Support Weapons Officers’ Course, Army Command and Staff Course, Artillery Young Officers’ Course in India, Introductory Officers Surveillance and Target Acquisition Course in India, Advanced Gunnery Course in India, Long Gunnery Staff Course in India, Artillery Battalion Commander Course in China, and the National Defence Course in Bangladesh. Additionally, he pursued a Master of Science in Disaster Analysis, Management, and Mitigation at the University of Colombo.
