New Army Commander Assuming Duties Sets Out His Vision for the Future

Lieutenant General Daya Ratnayake, 20th Commander of the Army took office Thursday (1) morning, amidst religious rites and rituals and formal military ceremonials.  

The first segment of the ceremony began at Ministry of Defence (MoD) grounds with military honours, presented by troops of his own regiment, Sri Lanka Light Infantry (SLLI). The presence of SLLI Regiment’s caparisoned mascot, ‘Kandula,’ awaiting the arrival of his Colonel of the Regiment who took the mantel of office as the new Commander, added colour to the occasion. 

The new Commander, Lieutenant General Daya Ratnayake was received at the entrance to the MoD grounds by SLLI Centre Commandant who later on requested the Chief Guest to review the Guard Turnout.

Later on, Major General Crishantha De Silva, the newly appointed Chief of Staff of the Army welcomed the Chief Guest for the occasion and invited him to review the Guard of Honour, presented in his honour. Seconds after it, he was ushered to the saluting dais to receive the Guard of Honour, accorded by SLLI troops.

With the Parade Commander, reporting the parade to the Chief Guest on the occasion, the new Commander commenced reviewing the honours in accordance with military formalities.

A brief multi-religious ceremony afterwards invoked blessings of the clergy on his new appointment before Pirith chanting got underway at the Commander’s office at Army Headquarters.

Most Venerable Welamitiyawe Kusaladhamma Nayaka Thero, Chief Sangha Nayaka for Colombo-Chilaw provinces, Ven Galaboda Gnanissara Nayaka Thero at Hunupitiya Gangaramaya, Ven Daranagama Kusaladhamma Nayaka Thero, Incumbent, Sri Sambodhi Viharaya, Ven Dr Kirinde Assaji Thero of Gangaramaya and Ven Bandarawela Sugathawansa Thero chanted Seth Pirith and blessed the new Commander after tying a Pirith thread on Lieutenant General Ratnayake’s wrist.

Amidst chanting, the new Commander, accompanied by Military Secretary and Military Assistant, placed his signature on an official document, symbolizing the formal acceptance of the office at the auspicious minute while Mrs Damayanthi Ratnayake, two sons and the daughter looked on.

After unveiling the photo of his predecessor, General Jagath Jayasuriya in the Commander’s office as a military tradition, the new Commander offered Pirikara to members of the Maha Sangha and exchanged a few words with them. Soon after religious ceremonies, the Commander attended a Media briefing at the Commander’s Secretariat where he spelt out his vision for the organization in the future.

Columns of troops representing all Army Regiments afterwards presented a Guard Turnout and a Guard of Honour to the Commander who reviewed it as melodies of ‘Sasara Wasana Thuru’ played by the Army band rent the air at CH & FC grounds.

Next, the Commander rose to his feet to address the troops who have been waiting in attention as the most significant item on the day’s agenda where he clearly unravelled how he plans to manage the Army in the future. (See the separate story with the full text in Highlights).

Later on, the new Commander shared a cup of tea with all ranks who were there to greet him. He also did not forget to interact with Media personnel present at the CH & FC grounds.

The day’s programme culminated with his visit to the Ranaviru Smarakaya (War Hero Monument) at Battaramulla in order to pay reverence to the memory of fallen War Heroes. Floral wreaths and other offerings refreshed the memories. Towards the final leg of the itinerary, the new Commander visited resident War Heroes under rehabilitation at Ragama Ranaviru Sevana where he shared dinner with them as a token of tribute to their dedication and commitment to the cause.

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