New Chief of Defence Staff Assumes Duties

Air Chief Marshal K.A Gunatilleke on Tuesday (16) assumed office as the new Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) at the office in the BMICH premises after brief religious ceremonies.

The day’s programme got to a start after a tri-service Guard of Honour greeted the new CDS on arrival at the office premises. After the salute, he was ushered to the office of the CDS where religious observances began as the auspicious minute struck. On arrival at the BMICH premises, Major General J.C Rambukpotha, Chief of Staff at the Office of the Chief of Defence Staff welcomed the new CDS.        

Lighting of the traditional oil lamp as inauguration took place soon after he entered the office. While members of the Maha Sangha went on chanting ‘Seth Pirith’, the new CDS symbolized the formal assumption of duties by placing his signature in an official document.    

Senior Tri Service Officers and a few family members of Air Chief Marshal K.A Gunatilleke attended the event.