Thunukkai Civilians Among Well-wishers to Outgoing 65 Division GOC

Civilians in Thunukkai were among well-wishers who assembled at the 65 Division Headquarters of the Security Force Headquarters - Kilinochchi (SFHQ-KLN) when farewell formalities to the outgoing Major General Sarath Weerawardane, General Officer Commanding (GOC), 65 Division Headquarters got underway on Monday (12).

Completing nearly a two and half year of service in the 65 Division, the GOC relinquished his duties amid military formalities, organized by the Officers and Other Ranks in the 65 Division.

A Guard Turn Out and a Guard of Honour, presented by troops of 1 Battalion of the Gajaba Regiment (GR) greeted the outgoing GOC on arrival and subsequently at the parade ground where a gathering of Officers and Other Rankers were present.

Planting of a sapling in the premises, an All Rank tea table and the outgoing GOC's farewell address on the same day (12) added more significance to the day before the day's programme came to an end.

Meanwhile, scores of civilians from Thunnukai area on hearing the GOC's relinquishment arrived at the entrance to the 65 Division Headquarters and bade farewell to him after expressing their sentiments of goodwill and gratitude for all the services he rendered to the area during his tenure.

Brigade Commanders, Commanding Officers and Staff Officers and Other Ranks were associated with farewell arrangements. Major General Sarath Weerawardane after a distinguished career of 33 years is to retire from the Army shortly.