20th August 2021 08:00:17 Hours
Major General Keerthi Kottawatta, one of the most senior officers of the Gemunu Watch (GW) who has served a number of key appointments in the Army completed more than three decades of dedicated service in the organization on the eve of his retirement was invited to the office of the Chief of Defence Staff and Commander of the Army, General Shavendra Silva this morning (19) at the Army Headquarters in order to receive the Army Chief's appreciative commendations and best wishes.
General Shavendra Silva during the brief interaction refreshed memories and shared a few thoughts with the retiring Major General Keerthi Kottawatta while appreciating projects he undertook as the Director General Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (AHQ) and other appointments in the organization and the GW Regimental Centre in particular.
Major General Keerthi Kottawatta as a fearless warrior during humanitarian operations actively contributed to several offensives against terrorism before the war ended. Major General Keerthi Kottawatta wasthe 1st commanding officer of the 17 Gemunu Watch during the cruica moment of the humanitarian operations.
The outgoing Senior Officer also thanked the Commander of the Army for his wishes and thoughtfulness while mentioning the encouragement he received from the Army Chief in the performance of his duties. Towards the end of the interaction, General Shavendra Silva awarded a special memento to the retiree as a symbol of appreciation and commendation of his more than three-decade of service to the Army.
Major General Keerthi Kottawatta as an experienced and professional Senior Officer always tries to share his valuable knowledge with others. He was also keen on publishing many books as an author and co-author for the best interests of the future generation. His professionalism enabled him to hold various key instructor appointments in the Sri Lanka Army such as Commanding Officer Training Wing of the Infantry Training Center at Minneriya and Deputy Commandant of Sri Lanka Military Academy Diyatalawa.
In appreciation of his bravery and dedicated services, the outgoing Major General was awarded the Rana Wickrama Padakkama (RWP) and Rana Sura Padakkama (RSP) and also the Uttama Sewa Padakkama (USP) for his unblemished service to the Sri Lanka Army a few years ago.
