Major General H.C.P Goonetilleke, more popularly known as ‘Channa’ among his associates, assumed office this morning (25) as the new Commandant of the Sri Lanka Army Volunteer Force (SLAVF) during a religious and military ceremony.
A Guard Turn Out and a Guard of Honour at the SLAVF Headquarters in Kosgama in conformity with military traditions saluted the new Commandant upon arrival at the premises after he was warmly welcomed by SLAVF Deputy Commandant, Major General W.D.L.P Wickramasinghe.
Soon after his review of the honours, the new Commandant lit the traditional oil lamp and participated in multi-religious observances in his new office before placing his signature to a formal document, signifying the acceptance of the new appointment.
Afterwards, Major General Goonetilleke was introduced to SLAVF senior officers and invited to plant a tree sapling in the premises as a token of memory of his assumption of office in the SLAVF.
Major General Goonetilleke later on addressed a representative gathering of SLAVF officers and other rankers as is the practice upon assumption of duties in the Army. He set out his vision for the SLAF during his brief talking.
Major General Goonetilleke during his distinguished career, spanning over thirty four years, has held many key appointments in the Sri Lanka Army, including the Commander Security Force Headquarters – Central, Military Secretary, Army Headquarters, Commander, Security Force Headquarters - Kilinochchi, General Officer Commanding of 56th Infantry Division and General Officer Commanding of Mannar during 2006 - 2009, Commander, 551 Infantry Brigade, Commander, 533 Infantry Brigade, and Commanding Officer 7 Field Engineer Regiment during high intensity counter insurgency operations.
Major General Goonetilleke served as Director General General Staff at the Office of the Chief of Defence Staff (OCDS), prior to being appointed as the new SLAFV Commandant.
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