Brigadier Buddhika Perera of the Gajaba Regiment assumed duties as the new Commandant of the Sri Lanka Military Academy (SLMA) at Diyatalawa on Wednesday (28 Dec) amid religious rituals and military formalities.

The incoming Commandant was warmly welcomed by Brigadier Sumal Hemarathna, Deputy Commandant, SLMA and was saluted with a Guard Turnout at the entrance. Afterwards, he laid a floral wreath at the War Heroes’ monument and recalled their memories. Moments later, the Chief Guest was honoured in the formal Guard of Honour, commanded by Lieutenant Colonel L.P Athukorala, Head of Training Team - Military Training Wing.

A few minutes later, the newly-appointed Commandant assumed office by symbolically placing his signature on an official document amid ‘Pirith’ chanting of members of the Maha Sangha.

As has been the custom, the new SLMA Commandant addressed the Officer Cadets and troops at Sino-Lanka Friendship auditorium and joined for refreshments.

Brigadier Buddhika Perera succeeds Major General Nalinda Niyangoda who has recently been appointed as the General Officer Commanding, 54 Infantry Division.