27th August 2019 13:59:08 Hours
Sri Lanka Army’s elite Special Forces (SF) on Monday (26) in a fitting goodbye ceremony at the SF Regimental Headquarters in Naula bade farewell to its First General and exemplary Senior Officer, General Mahesh Senanayake, the 22nd Commander of the Army who just retired from the Army after a distinguished career of more than 38 years.
His own Regiment, on his arrival laid a red carpet welcome and greeted General (Retd) Mahesh Senanayake in a formal Guard Turnout before he was warmly received by Brigadier Senerath Yapa, a Senior Council Member of the SF.
He was afterwards invited to receive the salute in the Guard of Honour, recognized with the recently awarded President’s ‘Rana Parashuwa’ (Hatchet) and the Regimental ‘Rana Parashuwa’ to the SF in the parade ground, presented by SF troops. After a while, the retiring 22nd Commander of the Army addressed the gathering in the parade ground.
Soon after a floral wreath was laid by the day's Chief Guest at the RHQ SF War Heroes’ monument offering deep reverence to the cherished memories of valour and gallantry of SF War Heroes who enabled all of us to live in peace.
Later, he joined All Ranks for refreshments at the Corporals' club where he took time off to share friendly thoughts with the attendees.
At dusk, he was hosted to a formal dinner at the Regimental Officers’ Mess in accordance with military traditions where the departing Commander of the Army was presented with a special memento before he delivered his farewell speech to the gathering.
During the Dinner at the Regimental Officers’ Mess, General (Retd) Mahesh Senanayake gave away credentials to 4 Commanding Officers in the SF Regiment on behalf of President’s ‘Rana Parashuwa’ (Hatchet) and the Regimental ‘Rana Parashuwa’ in recognition of their exceptional commitment.
The founder of the SF, Major General (Retd) Gamini Hettiarachchi, Colonel (Retd) W.M.J.I Fernando, Senior Council Members and their spouses also participated in the event which which goes into the annals of SF Regiment.
Towards the end of the formal gesture, a representative gathering of Senior Officers, Officers and Other Ranks formed a ‘Hats off’ street-line in front of the RHQ SF, Naula and bade adieu to the outgoing Commander who shook hands with those who remained lined up before he took leave of his own Regiment premises after extending best wishes.Best Sneakers | 【国内4月24日発売予定】ナイキ ウィメンズ エア アクア リフト 全2色 - スニーカーウォーズ
