Major General Mahendra Fernando of Sri Lanka Armoured Corps (SLAC) assumed Office as the new General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 51 Division Headquarters in Kopay, Jaffna on Friday (7) during a simple formal ceremony.

The newly-appointed General Officer Commanding was warmly welcomed by Staff Officers on his arrival at the location and subsequently a Guard Turnout greeted him before a Guard of Honour, presented by 10 Sri Lanka Artillery troops in the parade ground saluted him.

Afterwards, the newly-appointed General Officer Commanding was invited to the office where he placed his signature in an official document to symbolize the assumption of duties, amidst 'Seth Pirith' chanting of the Maha Sangha. Subsequently, Major General Mahendra Fernando was invited to plant a Mango sapling in the premises.

Afterwards, the new General Officer Commanding addressed all the Officers and Other Ranks serving in the 51 Division.

Brigade Commanders, Staff Officers of the 51 Division, Commanding Officers, Officers and Other Ranks were present during the ceremony.