Military formalities, including a Guard Turn Out and a colourful Guard of Honour with the infantrymen’s mascot, ‘Kandula’ saluted the outgoing 20th Commander of the Sri Lanka Army, General Daya Ratnayake at a farewell ceremony, held at MoD grounds this morning (21), amidst a representative gathering of senior officers and other ranks of the Sri Lanka Army.
The military event also saw the outgoing Commander handing over the symbolic Sword and the Batton to his successor, Major General A.W.J.C. De Silva just after review of the Guard of Honour, a new addition, away from the previously practised tradition for the first time in the Army history. The gesture signified the transfer of command in the military way in front of the public with best wishes, being bestowed on the incoming Army Chief.
The outgoing Commander, flanked by riders and escorting motorcade on arrival at the grounds was received by Lieutenant Colonel Anil Somaweera, Commanding Officer at Army Headquarters Battalion and requested to review the Guard Turn Out, presented by the Sri Lanka Light Infantry (SLLI) Regiment after he was received at the entrance to the ground.
In accordance with military traditions, the day’s parade in his honour was on form-up position on the parade square when the new Commander of the Army-designate, Major General A.W.J.C. De Silva, received the outgoing Commander and ushered him to the saluting dais to receive the honours by Major General Amal Karunasekara, Colonel of the Regiment SLLI. In a second, the Parade Commander, Captain Duminda Perera reported to the Chief Guest on the day to inspect the Guard of Honour, in keeping with military formalities as melodies of patriotic songs rent the air.
The day’s significance reached its peak as the outgoing Commander was afterwards invited to symbolically hand over the reins of his office to his successor. The glittering replica of the Sword, crafted with gold and silver with a seven-headed lion, called ‘serapendia’ symbolizes the Command and other parts reflect natural laws, respect and dignity for profession, protection of the nation, religions, culture, and the State. The ornamental Batton represents the commanding authority that can only be held by an incumbent Commander of the Army. Both these symbolic replicas signify the significance of the office of the Commander of the Army and the authority it commands over the organization.
Afterwards, the representative gathering of Principal Staff Officers, Directors, senior officers, officers and other ranks, formed a street line and bade adieu to the outgoing Commander who shook hands with all of them before his exit from the Army Headquarters.
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