15th July 2021 19:53:45 Hours
One of the most senior stalwarts in the Army, Major General Senerath Bandara, Chief of Staff of the Army and Colonel of the Regiment, Gemunu Watch (GW) on the eve of his retirement after a record professional military career of more than 35 years of valour and fearless leadership, made his final courtesy call on General Shavendra Silva, Chief of Defence Staff and Commander of the Army on Tuesday (13) at the Army HQ.
General Shavendra Silva refreshed their memories during battlefield encounters, dreadful experiences, gallant acts against the enemy during humanitarian operations and commended his professional dedication to the growth of the organization for more than three decades as an illustrious Officer. Memories of the fierce battles that made their way as troops were lining up to free the holy Madu Shrine from LTTE clutches were also recalled during cordial interactions while remembering certain milestones.
General Shavendra Silva expressed his deep sense of gratitude to the outgoing Chief of staff while extending his warm best wishes for his future undertakings and spoke high of his integrity, dedication and commitment throughout, particularly when the country's own existence was at risk during the peak of terrorism. Symbolic of warm ties, General Shavendra Silva awarded him a few exceptionally-produced mementos on the same occasion.
Towards the end of the interaction, the retiring Senior Officer also thanked the Commander of the Army for all the support and comradeship he extended during his military career and also in the performance of his office as the Chief of Staff. Here follows a brief profile of the retiring Senior Officer.
Major General Senarath Bandara was enlisted to the Sri Lanka Army Regular Force on 17 January 1986 and was commissioned to the Gemunu Watch. To his credit, he has held a number of key appointments in the Army covering operational areas during the war for peace before May 2009.
He also has served many command appointments including the Office of the Commanding Officer, 5 Gemunu Watch, Commanding Officer Infantry Training Centre, Commander 572 Offensive Brigade during the war and was at the forefront of freeing the most sacred Madu shrine from the clutches of ruthless terrorists.
He also was the Commander, 111 Brigade, Director Independent Directorate at the Army Headquarters, General Officer Commanding, 61 Division, General Officer Commanding, 54 Division, General Officer Commanding, 11 Division, Commander Security Forces - East and the Commander Security Forces - Jaffna before he took over as the Chief of Staff.
Major General Senarath Bandara who is also the Chairman of the Sri Lanka Army Hockey Committee and a keen sportsman.as a determined and fearless battle-hardened officer, sustained injuries thrice while the fight against terrorism was at its peak. As a highly decorated infantry officer, he has been awarded the prestigious Rana Wickrana Padakkama (RWP) three times and the Rana Sura Padakkama (RSP) twice for his patriotic bravery and the Desha Puthra Sammanaya three times due to injuries in actions during humanitarian operations.
During his overseas military education, he has followed the Young Officers’ Course (1988), Regimental Signal Officers' Course (1994), Junior Command Course (1996) Parachute Course (2004), Senior Command Course (2008) in India, Red Arrow Missile Course (2006) in Beijing, China and a few other courses. He is also a graduate of the National Defence University in Pakistan where he excelled well. Major General Senarath Bandara has also served as the Defence Attaché (DA) at the High Commission of Sri Lanka in Islamabad, Pakistan during March 2015 - March 2017.
