22nd July 2021 15:00:20 Hours
Major General Priyantha Perera who served as the Commander, Security Forces - Jaffna, relinquished the appointment on 18 July 2021 to assume duties as the new Chief of Staff of the Sri Lanka Army.
He was greeted to a Guard of Honour at the Security Force Headquarters – Jaffna premises by troops of 17 Gemunu Watch. He also paid tribute to the memory of fallen War Heroes at Palaly War Heroes’ monument placing a floral wreath.
During the outgoing Commander’s speech, he extended his gratitude to All Ranks serving in respective formations under command to the SFHQ-J for high standards of professionalism maintained during his tenure and committed services, rendered to maintain a peaceful environment in the Jaffna peninsula.
As the Commander Security Forces - Jaffna, Major General Priyantha Perera initiated a number of measures to improve security network in the Jaffna peninsula while reinforcing the public confidence towards the Security Forces which in turn enabled to maintain a peaceful and stable environment for the people of Jaffna.
The senior officer was well respected and recognized by the Jaffna community for the efforts he made to uplift living standards of deserving people launching many a welfare project with sponsorships received from foreign and local well-wishers.
He also initiated necessary action to construct a large number of houses for poor people and distributed a number of dry ration packs, wheelchairs, school stationery for students and synergized his troops to work for the betterment of deserving civil community who were affected by disasters and other adverse conditions.
He also took special care about the well-being of ex-servicemen living in the Jaffna District by facilitating them in many ways, including supply of medicine to their doorsteps.
Besides, Major General Priyantha Perera promoted Sri Lanka Army as an environmental protection-friendly force by continuing cultivation of coconut saplings, mega tree planting projects and many other environment cleaning projects in Jaffna. In addition, many community projects involving youths and school children were launched to promote reconciliation and harmony.
Significantly, as the District Coordinator for COVID - 19 Control and Prevention in the peninsula, he activated extensive preventive measures with the support of all health sector officials and his troops. His focus on Quarantine Centers, community assistance programmes, monitoring mechanism and disinfection programmes throughout the pandemic period helped Jaffna peninsula to maintain lowest records of COVID deaths and cases.
Major General Priyantha Perera before he was appointed as the 25th Commander, Security Forces - Jaffna on 19 January 2021 served a number of key appointments as the Commander, Security Forces - Wanni, General Officer Commanding, 59 Division, overlooking General Officer Commanding, 51 Division, 513 Brigade Commander, Commander, 144 Brigade as the Officer responsible for security, health and safety of the new Defence Headquarters complex at Sri Jayawardenepura and a few more offices. He is also the Colonel Commandant of the Sri Lanka Army Women’s Corps.
