MAJOR General G.D.G.N. Seneviratne, former Commander of the Army passed away on 12th August 2009.
Here is the Part - I Order issued by the Sri Lanka Army in accordance with military traditions.
“ It is with an intense feeling of profound sorrow, the Commander of the Army, all Officers and Other Ranks express their immense grief on the demise of General GDGN Seneviratne VSV ndc, the former Commander of the Army on 12 August 2009 in Colombo.
Ganegoda Don Granville Nalin Seneviratne was born on 25 August 1931 in Colombo. He was educated at Royal College, Colombo where he excelled in academics whilst proving himself as an outstanding sportsman particularly in Athletic and Rugby. He was also a member of the College Cadet Platoon and Regimental Sergeant Major of the Ceylon Cadet Battalion.
Having enlisted into the Sri Lanka Army as an Officers Cadet on 01 October 1951, he underwent initial military training at the prestigious Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst in the United Kingdom from 12 January 1952 to 02 July 1953. On successful completion of the Officer Cadet Course in the United Kingdom, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant on 30 July 1953 and was posted to the Ceylon Engineers.
General GDGN Seneviratne began his illustrious military career with the Ceylon Engineers. Due to his dedication and competence, he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant on 30 January 1955, Captain on 30 January 1958 and Major on 01 August 1963. His outstanding performances were further rewarded by being promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel on 01 December 1971, Colonel on 01 January 1977 and Brigadier on 31 December 1981 and Major General on 11 February 1985.
He held the following key appointments during tenure of service in the Sri Lanka Army.
General Staff Officer - III, Army Headquarters
Staff Officer - II, Headquarters, Task Force Anti Illicit Immigration
Commanding Officer - 1 Field Engineer Regiment
Extra Aide - De - Camp to His Excellency the President
The Commander Engineer Group
Director Engineer services Army Headquarters
Director Designated Budget and Financial Management
Commander - Support Force Panagoda
Commander - Security Force, Jaffna
Coordinating Officer – Jaffna and Kilinochchi, and finally
Commander of the Sri Lanka Army
He was the Commander of the Engineer Group from 01 January 1977 to 01 January 1980 where he imparted his knowledge and experience towards the success of the Engineer Regiment. Whilst serving in the Army, he was seconded for service for a period of two years with the Ceylon Shipping Corporation. He was also on the Board of Directors of the Tractor Corporation from 1977 to 1980.
He was appointed as the 10th Commander of the Sri Lanka Army on 11 February 1985 and promoted to the rank of Lieutenant General on 01 August 1986. He was the Commander of the Sri Lanka Army for 3 years and 6 months. During his tenure as the Commander of the Army, he provided strong leadership to the military operations conducted in the North and East including the Vadamarachchi operation. He also set the pace for the rapid expansion of the Sri Lanka Army which was much needed to curb the rising terrorism during that period. He also initiated many infrastructure development projects in the Army. The improvements to the 1000 metre Firing Range at Diyatalawa and the New Building of Colombo Military Hospital were two main projects carried out during his period. During his military career he contributed immensely to the betterment of the Army and won the admiration of his superiors as well as his subordinates. He was a source of encouragement and inspiration to officers and other ranks alike. He was always held in high esteem among his peers and colleagues. After completing 37 years of a yeoman service in the Army, he retired on 16 August 1988.
General GDGN Seneviratne followed several courses in the United Kingdom, USA and India. He graduated from the National Defence College New Delhi India. In addition he attended many important seminars at home and abroad. Some of the other military courses attended during his military career are Young Officers Engineering Course at Royal School of Military Engineering Chatham, United Kingdom and Engineer Officers Construction Planning and Operation Course at United States Army Engineering School Fort Belvoir USA.
In recognition of his dedication, efficiency and loyalty, the following Medals were awarded to him during his tenure of service.
Vishishta Seva Vibhushanaya
Purna Bhumi Padakkama
Vadamarachchi Operation Medal
Republic of Sri Lanka Armed Services Medal 1972
Sri Lanka Army 25th Anniversary Medal 1974
Ceylon Armed Services Long Service Medal 1968
Sri Lanka Armed Services Long Services Medal 1979
President’s Inauguration Medal 1978
On his retirement from the Army, General GDGN Seneviratne was appointed as the first Governor of the North East Province from 30 November 1988 to 30 November 1993 and contributed his service to the nation. In honour of his committed and dedicated service to the nation, His Excellency the President promoted him to the rank of General on 01 October 2007.
The last rites of the late General GDGN Seneviratne (Retd) VSV ndc with full military honours will be held on 15 August 2009 at 1630 hours at the General cemetery, Borella. We join the family members of Late General GDGN Seneviratne in their hour of grief.
Though you have departed, your name and exceptional services shall be remembered by us forever, as a true son of Mother Lanka.
“MAY YOU ATTAIN NIBBANA”
DRAB JAYATILAKE RWP RSP USP
Major General
Adjutant General”
