12th August 2025
The 11th Oration Ceremony of General Deshamanya Denis Perera was conducted at the auditorium of the Faculty of Graduate Studies, General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University on 11 August 2025.
Major General K.P. Aruna Jayasekara (Retd) WWV RSP VSV USP ndc psc, Deputy Minister of Defence, graced the event as a Retired Flag Rank Officer. Dr. Purna Bahadur Nepali, Ambassador of Nepal to Sri Lanka, participated in the event as a distinguished guest and the family members of the late General Denis Perera were also in attendance among the audience as special invitees. Lieutenant General Lasantha Rodrigo RSP ctf-ndu psc IG, Commander of the Army, delivered the Oration for the eminent gathering.
Upon arrival, the esteemed invitees were welcomed by Air Chief Marshal Gagan Bulathsinghala (Retd) RWP, RSP, VSV, USP, M Phil (Def & Strat Stu), MSc (Def Stu) in Mgt, MIM (SL), ndc, psc, President of the Association of Retired Flag Rank Officers (ARFRO).
The event commenced with the recitation of the National Anthem, followed by a moment of silence in honour of fallen heroes. The traditional lighting of the oil lamp marked the commencement of proceedings, after which the President of ARFRO garlanded the portrait of the late General Denis Perera, and Mrs. Ranjini Perera, spouse of the late General Denis Perera, placed a floral tribute.
Delivering the welcome address, the President of ARFRO introduced the Orator before presenting the prestigious Oration Medal to the Commander of the Army. The oration was then delivered by the Army Chief, who reflected on the late General Denis Perera’s exemplary service, leadership and invaluable contributions to the nation’s defence.
The vote of thanks was delivered by Air Vice Marshal Krishan Yahampath (Retd), VSV, USP, MSc, psc, Chairman of the Organising Committee, marking the conclusion of the formal segment. Senior Officers and Officers participated in the event.
