15th June 2022 20:48:16 Hours
Major General Channa Weerasuriya, the 48th Commandant of the Sri Lanka Army Volunteer Force handed over his duties and responsibilities in the office of Commandant of the Sri Lanka Army Volunteer Force (SLAVF) in a simple ceremony on Monday (13) in order to take up his new office as the Deputy Chief of Staff of the Sri Lanka Army.
A series of formalities were conducted in connection with the relinquishment of the appointment, commencing with the review of Guard Turn Out accorded to the outgoing Commandant on his arrival at the venue. The senior officer was received by Brigadier Thusitha Silva, Inspector of Training of Sri Lanka Army Volunteer Force.
Major General Shane Gunawardhane, the Deputy Commandant of the Sri Lanka Army Volunteer Force received the outgoing Commandant afterwards and ushered him to the saluting dais to receive the honours amidst melodies of patriotic songs in the air.
In accordance with the military customs, the senior officer unveiled his portrait marking an indelible chapter in the proud history of the Volunteer Force. In addition, the outgoing Commandant posed for a group photograph with the staff at the SLAVF Headquarters leaving memories of a commendable service for the betterment of the establishment and its successors.
Addressing the troops, the outgoing Commandant extended his gratitude to all the members of the Volunteer Force who integrated with him in realizing organizational objectives during his office.
The senior officer was entertained to tea by All Ranks and awarded a memento at the Warrant Officers’ and Segments’ Mess of the SLAVF Headquarters.
The senior officer after a while departed from the Headquarters amidst good-bye cheers of the Officers and Other Ranks who street lined on both sides of the road leading to the main gate.
The day’s proceedings reached the culmination with the customary farewell dinner, hosted to the outgoing Commandant at the Officers' Mess of the Regimental Centre, Sri Lanka Light Infantry. The evening was coloured by the attendance of senior officers and other officers with whom the Chief Guest shared a cheerful moment and thoughts.
A special gift as a gesture of goodwill was presented to the Chief Guest by the Deputy Commandant in appreciation of his service to this prestigious establishment.
The Chief Guest delivering the farewell speech unfolded his profound sense of feelings and paid his gratitude to the Deputy Commandant and all the members for the good gesture, extended to him during the period he served as the Commandant. Major General Channa Weerasuriya placed his signature in the Visitors’ Book leaving an inspiring and indelible chapter as Commandant of the Sri Lanka Army Volunteer Force.
