'Home of Keterians' Says Goodbye to Three Retiring GR Senior Officers

Saliyapura-based Gajaba Regiment (GR) Regimental HQ bade farewell to three of its most senior and dedicated Officers, Major General W.R.M.M Rathnayake RWP RSP USP ndu, Brigadier T.M Hettiarachchchi RSP and Brigadier T.M.R.B Ratnayake RWP RSP of the GR upon their retirement from the Army during special ceremonies on Friday (07).

Major General W.R.M.M Rathnayake RWP RSP USP ndu, more popularly known as 'Mohan Ratnayake' was serving as Commander, Security Forces-Central at the time of his retirement after an exemplary service of more than 35 years. Brigadier T.M Hettiarachchchi RSP was the Director, Directorate of Army Band & performance Arts and Brigadier T.M.R.B Ratnayake RWP RSP held the office of the Commander of 111 Infantry Brigade at the time of his retirement.

The separate ceremonies, held in keeping with military traditions at the Gajaba Regimental Headquarters premises in Saliyapura, inclusive of military honours were attended by a large group of Senior Officers and Other Ranks.

The sequence of events commenced with the ceremonial Guard Turnout, followed by offer of floral tributes to the statue of late Major General Vijaya Wimalaratne, Founding Father of the Gajaba Regiment.

Colonel K.R Kalupahana RSP USP, Deputy Centre Commandant of GR, with several other Senior Officers separately welcomed the Senior Officers on arrival and Brigadier H.T.W Vidyananda RWP RSP USP, Centre Commandant of GR invited them to review the parade with regimental colours and also to receive the salute from the special dais before three of them separately addressed the troops at the parade ground.

The event also included an All-Rank tea at the Other Ranks’ Mess at the Regimental Headquarters as part of the formalities.

The day's proceedings culminated with a formal military-styled Dinner Night hosted by Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage RWP RSP ndu, Commander of the Army and Colonel of the Regiment of GR. Officers of the Gajaba Regiment took part in the arrangement, held at the Regimental Officers’ Mess, the same evening.