Major General P.G.P.S Rathnayaka RWP RSP ndc assumed office as the 5th Commander of 1 Corps on 11 July 2024, amidst military formalities at Headquarters, 1 Corps in Kilinochchi.

The day's proceedings commenced with a Guard Turnout presented by troops of the 2 Commando Regiment to the new Commander of 1 Corps at the main entrance of Headquarters 1 Corps followed by a ceremonial parade presented by the troops of the 53 Infantry Division, 58 Infantry Division, Air Mobile Brigade, Commando Brigade and Special Forces Brigade.

Thereafter, amid religious blessings the new Commander assumed the new appointment by symbolically placing his signature on an official document.

Later, the Commander of 1 Corps posed for a group photograph with the all Ranks before planting a sapling at the Headquarters premises.

During his address, the Commander of 1 Corps educated his Officers and Other Ranks about the duties and responsibilities laid upon them and maintain discipline while performing duties in the Army.

Warrant Officer I (Retd) U.G Jayaweera also participated in the occasion as an invitee. Since, who has been an instructor of Major General P.G.P.S Rathnayaka RWP RSP ndc while he was doing Basic Commando Course. Further, Warrant Officer I (Retd) U.G Jayaweera has discharged duties as Group Sergeant to Group Sergeant Major during the Team Commander and Officer Commanding tenure of Major General P.G.P.S Rathnayaka RWP RSP ndc after the inauguration of 2 Commando Regiment in year 1993. These both war veterans have contributed together for Sumana, Edibala, Leap Forward, Riviresa, Sathjaya and Jayasikuru operations.

Senior Officers, Officers and Other Ranks participated in the occasion.