New East Commander Meets Religious Dignitaries, State Officials & Speaks to His Own Troops

Major General Rasika Fernando, Commander Security Forces-East made his inaugural visits to the 22 Division and several Brigades in the past few days and had a series of courtesy calls on key state officials and multi-religious dignitaries.

The newly- appointed SF Commander, at first arrived at the Headquarters 22 Division Trincomalee where he was received in a warm reception by Major General Neville Weerasinghe, General Officer Commanding (GOC), 22 Division before the visiting Commander was greeted to military honours, accorded by the troops of 2 Gajaba Regiment around the main entrance.

Subsequently, the SF Commander, delivering a comprehensive speech to the troops, urged them to continue training and good work while maintaining the highest standards of discipline to become competent and skilled Officers and soldiers. Later, as a symbol of memory, Major General Rasika Fernando was invited to plant a ‘Mango’ sapling in the Division Headquarters premises. As the concluding event, the SF Commander spared time to interact with Other Ranks during refreshments with all ranks. Later on, the GOC 22 Div briefed him on operational and administrative matters in the presence of Brigade Commanders and all Battalion Commanders.

The SF Commander later visited the 221, 222 and 224 Brigades and during those visits too, he was warmly welcomed by the respective Brigade Commanders. He also addressed troops and symbolically planted saplings to mark his visits. He also had discussions with all Commanders with a view to identifying their grievances, difficulties, their views on various operational, administrative matters and welfare facilities of Other Ranks as well.

During the two-day visit, Major General Fernando intending to have a wider platform of understanding and interaction, had a series of courtesy calls on multi-religious dignitaries, key state officials and attended the Kovil Pooja, at the Holy Koneshwaram Temple in Trincomalee on Friday (25).

The SF Commander met the Chief Incumbent of Rangiriulpatha Rajamahaviharaya Ven. Ahungalle Siri Seelavisuddhi Nayake Thero, the Chief Incumbent of Jayasumaaramaya Trincomalee Ven. Gnanakiththi Thero and His Eminence Bishop of Trincomalee Rt. Rev. Noel Emmauel and received blessings upon his assumption of office as the Commander Security Forces (East).

Later, he met the Governor of the Eastern Province Mr. Shan Wijelal De Silva and the District Secretary for Trincomalee Mr. N.A.A Pushpakumara where he had cordial discussions on current issues pertaining to the Trincomalee District and insisted the need to have an effective communication network and a close coordination among state authorities and members of the Security Forces to contribute towards achieving sustainable development goals in the area. Running sneakers | Nike