31st May 2022 19:30:21 Hours
Military formalities, including a Guard Turn Out and a colour-rich Guard of Honour saluted the outgoing 23rd Commander of the Sri Lanka Army, General Shavendra Silva at the formal farewell ceremony, held at the Army Headquarters this afternoon (31), amidst a representative gathering of senior officers and other ranks of the Army.
The outgoing Commander, flanked by riders and escorting motorcade on arrival at the Army Headquarters was received by Brigadier Indika Perera, Commander of the Army Headquarters Brigade and subsequently General Shavendra Silva was requested to review the Guard Turn Out, presented by troops of the Gajaba Regiment.
In accordance with military traditions, the day’s parade in his honour was on form-up position when the new Commander of the Army-designate, Major General Vikum Liyanage, received the outgoing Commander and ushered him to the saluting dais to receive the honours. In a second, the Parade Commander, Captain S.R.V.K.S Bandara. reported to the Chief Guest on the dais to inspect the Guard of Honour in keeping with military formalities as melodies of patriotic songs began to rend the air.
A group photograph with all Principal Staff Officers added indelible memories to the occasion and significance as the 1st Commander to have held this office at the newly-erected Army Headquarters complex at Sri Jayawardenepura.
The occasion assumed more memorable as General Shavendra Silva who held the office of Commander of the Army for two years and nine months rose to his feet and addressed a representative group of All Ranks, in which General Shavendra Silva extended his profuse thanks to all those who cooperated with him during his tenure and commended the efforts, taken by All Ranks for the promotion of the Army image as the Protectors of the Nation. (See separate story)
A few minutes later, the representative gathering of Principal Staff Officers, Directors, senior officers, officers and other ranks, formed a street-line to suit military traditions and bade adieu to the outgoing Commander who as a battle-hardened War Hero elevated the organization to new heights in the sphere of professionalism, welfare, international relations, training, infrastructure development, sports, community projects, COVID-19 control, green agriculture, innovations, medical facilities, etc.
The simple, yet dignified street-line salute was joined by most Senior Officers and Other Ranks, the first of its kind at the new Army Headquarters complex as ‘Jaya Sri, Jaya Sri’ greetings reverberating.
