The new Colonel of the Regiment, Sri Lanka National Guard (SLNG), Major General A.P De Z Wickramaratne on Thursday (13) assumed office during a simple ceremony at the SLNG Headquarters, Wehaerawatte, Kurunegala.

He succeeds Major General Udaya Perera who has now been appointed as Colonel of the Regiment of the Gajaba Regiment.

To be in line with military formalities, Major General Wickramaratne on arrival at the premises was saluted in a Guard Turnout. A parade, held afterwards at Maligapitiya ground, Kurunegala did honours after religious observances blessed his new appointment.

Commemoration of fallen SLNG War Heroes, tree planting, group photograph-taking, separate addresses to officers and other rankers and an all rank tea party brought the day’s event to culmination.