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Sri Lanka Army

Defender of the Nation

Commander's Alma Mater Felicitates Him on Appointment as Commander


Fellow-College comrades of Colombo Royal College and members of the Royal College Union (RCU) on Tuesday (29), extended their sentiments of appreciation and felicitation to Lieutenant General Crishanthe De Silva on his appointment as the Commander of the Army during a special reception ceremony, held at the Royal College ‘Nawarangahala’ premises with the participation of a large distinguished gathering.

The RCU alias the Old Boys Association of the Royal College was instrumental in organizing the felicitation ceremony for the Commander of the Army to coincide with the Prefects’ Day in order to appreciate his ascension to the top slot in the Army and provide an incentive to budding Royalists in the college. 
 
The day’s protagonist, Lieutenant General Crishanthe De Silva, together with his spouse, Mrs Nayana De Silva on arrival at the entrance to the college premises, was warmly welcomed by Mr. Upali Gunesekera, the Principal, Royal College and later ushered to the venue of the reception ceremony in a procession.

At the outset of the programme, the Commander paid his tribute to the memory of fallen War Heroes of the Royal College at the special War Heroes’ monument in the college premises by placing a floral wreath. A Guard of Honour, presented by the Cadet platoon of the Royal College afterwards and recital of the college song set the stage ready for the formal commencement of the reception after a few minutes.

The Commander as the day’s Chief Guest was afterwards invited to distribute certificates of appointment to newly-appointed prefects in the primary section of the college while the Principal pinned their prefect badges on the same occasion before all of them took oath of allegiance to their new roles.

In his brief address to the occasion, the day’s Chief Guest recalled great leadership qualities and the strength for life he mustered during his college days and appealed to the prefects and the students present to come up in life as committed and disciplined citizens of this country.

“The foundation for the success of my life was laid here to be groomed as a balanced personality with commitment for whatever I do. The college, the teachers, my friends and fellow prefects provided me the vision and guidance. As an old Royalist who has reached the zenith in the Army, my debts to my alma mater can never be paid back. My respect and gratefulness will be forever.”

“You must always keep in mind that there are four pillars which your life is built. First, the one which you inherit from your parents and develop at home. Second, the one you develop in the class room, education and other attributes. Third, the spiritual and other values you get from your religion. The fourth is equally important, it is sports and extra curricular activities. One should have the right understanding of those four pillars to balance and achieve unquestionable success of school life.”

“As prefects be kind like brothers to fellow students. You need to understand their psychologies, identify their needs and guide them giving whatever the help possible. Remember your approach should be friendly and humane. The life at school must be a very pleasant experience to every child. It is your will that takes you and prevents you from what you eventually hope to reach,” the Commander said.

Lieutenant General De Silva, himself a brilliant ruggerite, and a boxer during his college days, further requested the students to simultaneously learn a one or two sports disciplines while pursuing academic studies and understand the spirit of teamwork to become full-fledged citizens.        

The Commander of the Army during his brief address recollected his school day memories and paid a glittering tribute to his mentors, senior fellow-schoolmates, classmates and all those who organized the felicitation ceremony which would provide him with enormous inspiration and courage to perform his national duties in a more energetic manner.

Towards the culmination of the day’s ceremony, the College Principal presented a token memento to the Commander of the Army who was also one of the college’s senior prefects.

Head prefect of the college brought the simple ceremony to an end by proposing a vote of thanks on behalf of the college and the organizers.