SRI LANKA Army’s 19th Commander Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya USP ndu psc took office this morning (15) amidst religious blessings and formal military honours.
Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya was warmly received at the gateway to the Commander’s Secretariat for inspection of the Guard Turn-out, to be followed by a Guard of Honour, offered by Commander’s own Regiment, Sri Lanka Armoured Corps. As glittering Army and Regimental flags were fluttering in the gentle morning breeze, the new Commander in the company of the parade commander inspected the Guard of Honour in line with military tradition and accepted the salute. Minutes after it the new Commander shook hands with his Principal Staff Officers who in return greeted him.
Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya lit a traditional oil lamp inside the Commander’s office as he entered the premises amidst beating of auspicious drums as a token of inauguration of the office.
Religious leaders of all four denominations who had been invited for the occasion commenced their blessing ceremony, giving pride of place to Buddhist chanting of Seth Pirith. Members of the Maha Sangha including Ven. Galaboda Gnanissara thero, Ven. Bellanwila Wimalarathana thero, Ven. Pallegama Sri Hemarathana thero, Ven. Eethalawetunuwewe Gnanathilaka thero and a few others attended the Buddhist religious performances. Religious services of other denominations-Hindu, Catholic, Islamic-followed and the Commander respectfully offered Pirikara to all of them.
To symbolize his official acceptance of the office, he afterwards initialed an official document at 9.10 a.m. as the auspicious minute struck and members of his family looking on. Members of the Maha Sangha recited “Karaniya Metta Sutta” and blessed his office once again as he was placing his signature on the first document.
Later on, the new Commander paid his respects to his mother who remained seated in the office as his wife, children and senior officers present there offered their greetings to the new Commander in the Army.
The new Commander later on met a section of Other Ranks and officers during tea before he addressed the officers at the Army Headquarters auditorium.
Lieutenant General Jayasuriya late in the afternoon paid a courtesy call on Secretary Defence Gotabaya Rajapaksa.
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