New East Commander Makes Familiarization Visits

Major General Senarath Bandara, the newly-appointed Commander, Security Forces - East (SF-E) made his familiarization visits to the Headquarters 23 Division, 231 Brigade, 232 Brigade and 233 Brigade during the weekend (4-7 June).

On arrival at the 23 Division Headquarters (HQ), the Commander SF (E) was warmly welcomed by the General Officer Commanding 23 Division, Major General Dhammika Jayasundara. Thereafter, the GOC 23 Division briefed the operational, command and control and administrative responsibilities of the 23 Division. All Brigade Commanders and Staff Officers were also present during the briefing.

Addressing the troops, Major General Senarath Bandara remembered with great appreciation the former Commander Security Forces -East, Major General Rasika Fernando for taking appropriate measures to commence the quarantine process at the initial stage on the guidance of Lieutenant General Shavendra Silva, the Chief of Defence Staff, Commander of the Army and Head of the National Operation Centre for Prevention of COVID-19 Outbreak (NOCPCO). Further, the SF-E Commander greatly admired the dedication, commitment and invaluable services of all the officers and soldiers of the SFHQ- E in shouldering the task of executing this national responsibility.

The SF-E Commander adding more thoughts stressed on the need to ensure health and hygiene of the troops and advised them to take all precautions, complying with strict health guidelines and physical standards, to suit the motto “Healthy Army-Healthy Nation.” Furthermore, the Commander insisted that the Army soldiers can be an effective mode of communication while they are on leave by educating their villagers, relatives and loved ones on the commendable roles, being played by Army personnel at this critical juncture of the country and precautions over the spread of COVID 19 as well. He further highlighted that the commanders at all levels should uplift the welfare facilities of soldiers and maintain their high morale to effectively respond to any eventualities in the future.

During the address, he also insisted upon the vested responsibility of wining the hearts and minds of the multi-ethnic communities of the area while preserving the image of the Army. Moreover, he appreciated the tasks performed by the military intelligence services to safeguard the security of the Eastern Theatre and to tackle the spread of COVID 19 in the country. Also, the Commander emphasized the importance of training in different professional aspects of the career and maintenance of the highest standards of discipline by the officers and soldiers.

In addition, the Commander Security Force (East) also visited the Heritage Park at Thoppigala, Headquarters 231 Brigade Batticaloa, Headquarters 232 Brigade Tharavikulam and Headquarters 233 Brigade Vakarai and interacted with troops where he spoke along the same lines as mentioned above. Nike air jordan Sneakers | adidas poccnr jumper dress pants size