State Minister of Defence Speaks to Sri Lanka Army Women’s Corps Soldiers

Hon. Premitha Bandara Tennakoon, State Minister of Defence met women soldiers of the Sri Lanka Army Women’s Corps (SLAWC) Regimental HQ at Borella on Tuesday (21 Nov) and shared thoughts on future prospects and how the future would hold for them.

On arrival at the entrance, the State Minister of Defence was greeted in a Guard Turnout, presented by SLAWC troops before he was received by Major General U.D Wijesekera RWP RSP USP rcds psc, Commandant of the Sri Lanka Army Volunteer Force and Colonel Commandant of SLAWC together with Brigadier J.K.R Jayakodi RWP USP, Centre Commandant of SLAWC.

At first, the visiting Minister laid a floral wreath and saluted the memory of fallen women warriors.

Afterwards, during the course of his speech, he commemorated all fallen heroes and heroines during the humanitarian war before May of 2009 and informed the gathering on important decisions that have been taken, inclusive of extension of retiring age of Lady Officers up to 55 years and award of promotions accordingly on a par with male Officers. He also said female Other Ranks retiring age limit will be lengthened up to 22 years of service while providing vocational training opportunities for ladies in the Army, etc.

Towards the end of his address, he expressed his sincere gratitude to the Commander of the Army, Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage RWP RSP ndu for arranging the opportunity for him to speak with the SLAWC troops.

Later, the State Minister of Defence joined an All-Rank tea arrangement where he took some time off to speak to them individually. Prior to his departure, he penned down some complimentary remarks in the visitors' book.

Senior SLAWC Officers, Officers, and Other Ranks were also present during the occasion.