12th April 2024 11:08:20 Hours
Major General W.H.K.S Peiris RWP RSP VSV USP ndu, the Chief of Staff (COS), assumed office as the 13th Colonel of the Regiment of the Gajaba Regiment (GR) during a simple ceremony, amidst religious observances and military formalities on Thursday (11 Apr) at the GR Regimental Centre, Saliyapura.
The prestigious appointment of Colonel of the Regiment is held by the most Senior Officers in the Army, typically in the rank of Major General. Traditionally, the Commander of the Army or the most Senior Officer in the Regiment who is under-command to the Army Chief holds the appointment of the Colonel of the Regiment of each Regiment.
In the Sri Lanka Army, the Commander of the Army holds the esteemed position, being the overall Commander of all the Regiments. Considering this, the Commander demonstrated exceptional leadership by entrusting a junior subordinate with the prestigious role of leading the esteemed Gajaba Regiment, where he honed his skills and expertise.
The Army Chief himself thought to bestow this esteemed appointment to the COS, recognising his exemplary leadership and dedication to the Regiment, and handed over this appointment on 08 April 2024.
The Centre Commandant and all Staff Officers at the Regimental Centre warmly welcomed the incoming Senior Officer after he was greeted in a Guard Turnout at the entrance. Subsequently, he paid a floral tribute to the Founding Father of GR, late Major General Vijaya Wimalaratne, at his statue. Then he was accorded a Ceremonial Parade at the parade square.
He marked the assumption symbolically by placing his signature in an official document, amidst the chanting of ‘Seth Pirith’ by members of the Maha Sangha. Afterwards, the new Colonel of the Regiment planted a sapling in the premises and posed for a group photograph adding memories to the day.
Major General M.G.W.W.W.M.C.B Wickramasinghe RWP RSP ndu psc, the Commander, Security Forces – Jaffna, Major General S.B Amunugama RWP RSP ndu, the Commander, 1 Corps, Senior Officers, Officers and Other Ranks were present at the occasion.
