26th April 2024 09:10:23 Hours
Major General H.D.W.K.N Eriyagama RWP RSP, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 58 Infantry Division, prior to his retirement from the Army after a notable career of 34 years, was invited to the office of the Commander of the Army, Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage RWP RSP ndu, on 25 April 2024, together with his family members.
During the meeting, the Army Chief lauded the Senior Officer for his unwavering dedication and exemplary performance in a variety of challenging roles throughout his tenure. The Army Chief particularly highlighted Senior Officer’s invaluable contributions during the war against terrorism and his continued commitment to duty in the post-war era, especially as a member of the Special Forces.
In response, Major General H.D.W.K.N Eriyagama RWP RSP expressed his gratitude for the guidance and support he received from the Army Chief and reflected on the sacrifices made during his service, acknowledging the pivotal role played by his family. Towards the end of the interactions, the Commander of the Army presented a special memento to the retiring Senior Officer as a symbol of appreciation and commendation, along with gifts to his family members.
Here is a brief profile of the retiring Senior Officer:
Major General H.D.W.K.N Eriyagama RWP RSP was enlisted in the Intake - 32, Regular Force of the Sri Lanka Army as an Officer Cadet on 14 July 1989. Upon successful completion of military training at the Sri Lanka Military Academy, Diyatalawa, he was commissioned in the rank of Second Lieutenant and posted to the Gemunu Watch on 19 January 1991. Subsequently, the Senior Officer was transferred to the Special Forces on 01 February 1991. After being steadily elevated to subsequent ranks during his service in the Army, he was promoted to the rank of Major General on 03 August 2022. The Senior Officer retired from the Regular Force of the Sri Lanka Army with effect from 01 May 2024 upon reaching 55 years of age. At the time of his retirement, he held the appointment of General Officer Commanding, 58 Infantry Division.
He held various appointments during his career, including Platoon Commander of the 6 Gemunu Watch, Group Commander of the 1st Regiment Special Forces, Second-In-Command, E Squadron, 2nd Regiment Special Forces, Officer Commanding of E, M and Administration Squadrons of the 2nd Regiment Special Forces, Officer Commanding of Support Squadron, the 3rd Regiment Special Forces (Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol (LRRP)), Coordinator (LRRP) of Tactical Headquarters, 22 Infantry Division, Operations and Training Officer of the 3rd Regiment Special Forces (LRRP), Second-In-Command of the 3rd Regiment Special Forces (LRRP), Chief Instructor of Special Forces Training School, Officiating Commanding Officer of the 3rd Regiment Special Forces (LRRP), Commanding Officer of the 5th Regiment Special Forces and Regimental Headquarters Battalion of Special Forces, Commandant of Special Forces Jungle Warfare Training School and Special Forces Training School, Colonel (General Staff) of Headquarters, 53 Infantry Division, Officiating Commander of the Air Mobile Brigade, Centre Commandant of the Regimental Centre Special Forces, Director of Directorate of Welfare, Army Headquarters, Officiating General Officer Commanding of 21 Infantry Division, General Officer Commanding of 64 Infantry Division and General Officer Commanding of 58 Infantry Division.
For his bravery and gallantry on the battlefield, he has been awarded Rana Wickrama Padakkama (Awarded 3 times) and Rana Sura Padakkama (Awarded twice).
He has completed numerous local and foreign courses during his military career, including the Special Forces Basic Course, Basic Intelligence Course, Regimental Signal Officers’ Course, Unit Accounting Officers Course, Balance Style Course, Basic Airborne Course (India), Commando Course (India), Young Officers’ Course (Bangladesh), Mid-Career Course (Pakistan), Counter Insurgency and Jungle Warfare Course (India), Specialized Weapon Course (India), United Nations Commanding Officers Course (Norway) and Senior Command Course (India)..
The Senior Officer also pursued several higher educational and non-military courses, such as Certificate Course in Peace & Conflict Resolution at the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute and Diploma in Senior Level Defence Management at the Devi Ahilya University, India.
