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Sri Lanka Army

Defender of the Nation

21st September 2019 13:12:14 Hours

Commander in Jaffna Welcomed with Military Honours

Troops serving the northern most Security Force Headquarters - Jaffna (SFHQ-J) this morning (20) extended a warm reception to the Commander of the Army, Lieutenant General Shavendra Silva presenting the highest honours when he arrived there for the first time upon assumption of his new office.

His affiliation with Jaffna dates back to 1990s as the youngest Commanding Officer ever-produced by the Sri Lanka Army where he commanded an infantry battalion during the operation, code named 'Operation Riviresa', conducted in 1995 to liberate the Jaffna Peninsula from the clutches of LTTE terrorists. At a very crucial stage of the operations against terrorists, he was appointed as the Commander, Air Mobile Brigade by the then Commander of the Army. In August 2006, he was instrumental in re-capturing the Forward Defence Lines (FDLs) of Muhamalai, then known as the 'National Front of Sri Lanka', where half of the defences remained under the control of the LTTE at that time.

On his arrival at Palay airport, Major General Ruwan Wanigasooriya, Commander, Security Forces - Jaffna presented a hearty welcome to the Commander of the Army and invited him to commence the day’s agenda by paying tribute to the memories of fallen War Heroes.

During a dignified and solemn moment of remembrance, the visiting Commander of the Army laid a floral wreath at the SFHQ-J war monument and saluted the immortal memories of all those fallen War Heroes.

A subsequent Guard Turn Out at the entrance, followed by a Guard of Honour, the highest honour in the military tradition saluted the visiting 23rd Commander of the Army at the SFHQ-J parade ground. He took the salute from a special dais.

The occasion was immortalized after a while when the Commander was invited to pose for a group photo with SFHQ-J Officers and Other Ranks. The visiting Commander of the Army also added memories to his visit by planting a sapling in the premises before he addressed the troops.

Lieutenant General Silva speaking to the troops outlined his vision for the organization and urged them to be proud of their victorious organization which has won the appreciation of all Sri Lankans as Defenders of the Nation. He also reminded the troops of the importance and pride of being a member of the Army.

At the auditorium, Lieutenant General Silva afterwards spoke to the Officers serving the SFHQ-J, FMA, Divisions, Brigades and Units in the Jaffna Peninsula and gave a patient hearing to their concerns and different views. He also assured that he as the Commander would do everything possible for the benefit of the Army and its members during his tenure. bridgemedia | Nike React Element 87