Course Officer in Rare Coincidence Offers New Rank Insignia to His Students

A group of 6 Senior Colonels who were elevated to the rank of Brigadiers of the Army on account of the National Independence Day on Monday (7) had the rare privilege of receiving their new insignia from none other than their one-time Course Officer, General Shavendra Silva, Chief of Defence Staff and Commander of the Army who recommended them for promotion along with 10 more Senior Officers with the approval HE the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.

Among this group who were promoted included Brigadier Shehan Fernando of Sri Lanka Artillery, 542 Brigade Commander, Brigadier Wijayanath Jayaweera of Mechanized Infantry Regiment, Military Assistant to Secretary Defence, Brigadier Nalin Mediwaka of Gajaba Regiment, 221 Brigade Commander, Brigadier Nalaka Malsinghe of Gemunu Watch, Military Assistant to Commander of the Army, Brigadier Anil Somaweera of Sri Lanka Light Infantry, 142 Brigade Commander and Brigadier Samantha Hettige, of Gemunu Watch, 522 Brigade Commander in the Intake PMA 4 at Diyatalawa, Sri Lanka Military Academy.

The Army Chief who was their former Course Officer at Diyatalawa after decorating each of them with new insignia extended best wishes and outlined the importance of such promotions to deserving career officers, giving a piece of advice. “The new rank is a catalyst that would enable you to perform with renewed vigour and vibrancy as responsibilities that correspond to your new duty roles. Remember your hard-earned promotion means your capacity has been well-recognized and duly considered", said the Army Chief.

Due to unavoidable circumstances, Brigadier Anil Somaweera could not attend the enranking occasion.

The Army Chief also recalled how training was done as a Senior Course Officer at the prestigious seat of learning at Diyatalawa during his tenure as a senior course Officer.

The newly-promoted Brigadier Nalaka Malsinghe has been serving as the Military Assistant to the Commander of the Army in the past two years and was a brilliant student in the Intake PMA 4 during training.