21st July 2025
Lieutenant General Lasantha Rodrigo RSP ctf-ndu psc IG, Commander of the Army, paid an official visit to the Security Force Headquarters (East) on 19 and 20 July 2025.
Upon his arrival to the Security Force Headquarters (East) camp premises on 19 July 2025, he was warmly received by Major General P.K.W.W.M.J.S.B.W Pallekumbura RWP RSP ndu psc, Commander, Security Forces (East). The Army Chief then ceremonially planted a sapling in the camp premises and posed for a group photograph alongside Senior Officers.
During the visit, he was briefed by the General Officers Commanding of the 22, 23 and 24 Infantry Divisions. Additionally, the Commanding Officers of the 7th Regiment of the Military Intelligence Corps (7 MIC) and the 3 (V) MIC presented their operational briefing to the Commander of the Army.
Following the briefings, the Army Chief joined All Ranks for tea at the camp gymnasium, engaging with Officers and troops in a casual setting. He then addressed the troops of the Security Forces (East). He also penned his thoughts and best wishes in the visitors’ book, followed by an All Ranks lunch. Later, he visited the 232 Infantry Brigade.
The Commander of the Army visited the historic Thoppigala area, formerly known as Baron’s Cap, where he paid floral tribute at the War Heroes’ Monument, honouring the sacrifices of fallen War Heroes while taking time to inspect the surrounding location.
Afterward, the Army Chief visited the house of a needy family which was vested in them on 29 June 2025 in Punani area by the 7th Battalion of the Gemunu Watch and inspected its current condition.
The following day, the Army Chief visited the Dimbulagala Forest Monastery, a site of historical and religious significance, located in the Polonnaruwa District on 20 July 2025. During the visit, the Commander of the Army attended a religious event and met the Chief Incumbent of the Dimbulagala Forest Monastery, Most Venerable Dimbulagala Rahulalankara Nayaka Thero, and respectfully received blessings. Then, the Army Chief donated construction materials to the monastery, simultaneously attending the donation programme conducted by the Army Seva Vanitha Unit at the premises for the clerical and laic students of the Sri Maha Kayshapa Pirivena.
Later on, the Commander of the Army called on Prof. Jayantha Lal Ratnasekera, Governor of the Eastern Province and Bishop of Trincomalee Diocese, Bishop Christian Noel Emmanuel.
The event concluded with the Commander of the Army visiting the Headquarters of the 22 Infantry Division and 2 (V) Battalion of the Gajaba Regiment at Trincomalee.
