19th April 2024 17:17:24 Hours
Major General M.T.K.R Silva KSP, the Deputy Commandant of the Sri Lanka Army Volunteer Force (SLAVF), arrived at the office of the Commander of the Army, Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage RWP RSP ndu, on 19 April 2024, along with his family members, prior to his retirement after a landmark career of more than 34 years in the Army.
During the cordial meeting, the Army Chief praised the retiring Senior Officer for his dedicated service and performance of diverse and challenging responsibilities with unfailing commitment and selflessness. He also recalled the retiree’s invaluable sacrifices and roles during the height of the war against terrorism before May 2009, as well as his effective discharge of duties in the post-war scenario.
In return, Major General M.T.K.R Silva KSP thanked the Army Chief for the invitation and expressed his gratitude for the guidance extended to him in performing varied duties.
The Army Chief also commended the invaluable support given to the Senior Officer by his family throughout his career, particularly during challenging times when he engaged in operations to safeguard the motherland away from home.
Towards the end of the interactions, the Commander of the Army presented a special memento to the retiring Senior Officer as a symbol of appreciation and commendation, along with gifts to his family members. The gesture was reciprocated by the Senior Officer.
Here follows a brief profile of the retiring Senior Officer:
Major General M.T.K.R Silva KSP joined the Volunteer Force of the Sri Lanka Army as an Officer Cadet on 02 August 1989. After completing military training at the Sri Lanka Military Academy, Diyatalawa in Intake 11, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant on 30 April 1990 and posted to the Sri Lanka Light Infantry (SLLI). Throughout his career, he held various appointments and steadily elevated to subsequent ranks, ultimately reaching the rank of Major General on 25 June 2022.
He held the office of the Deputy Commandant of SLAVF at the time of his retirement. He also held appointments such as Platoon Commander and Officer Commanding of 5 (V) SLLI, Officer Commanding of Rear Headquarters at 5 (V) SLLI, Staff Officer 3 (Training) of SLAVF, Staff Officer 2 (Recruiting) of SLAVF, Second-in-Command of 14 (V) SLLI, Commanding Officer of 22 Sri Lanka National Guard, Civil Affairs Officer of 551 Infantry Brigade and 61 Infantry Division, Senior Training Officer of Ranaviru Resource Centre, Counselling Officer of Directorate of Rehabilitation at Army Headquarters, Chief Coordinating Civil Affairs Officer of Security Force Headquarters - Kilinochchi, Colonel Coordinating Officer (Volunteer) of 54 Infantry Division, Colonel (Administration) of SLAVF, Brigadier (Administration) (Overlooking) of SLAVF, Senior Colonel Coordinating Officer (Volunteer) and Brigadier Coordinating Officer (Volunteer) of Security Force Headquarters - Mullaitivu and Inspector of Training of SLAVF.
For his bravery and gallantry on the battlefield, he has been awarded the ‘Karyakshama Seva Padakkama’.
He has completed numerous local and foreign courses during his military career, such as Platoon Commanders Course (Weapon Phase), Platoon Commanders Course (Tactics Phase), Platoon Commanders Course (Endurance Phase), Young Officers Course, Unit Account Officers Course, Unit Administrative Officers Course, Psychological Operations Course, Advanced Civil Affairs Course and Junior Command Course - India.
The Senior Officer also pursued a number of higher educational and non-military courses, such as Masters in Labour Relations and Human Resource Management - University of Colombo, Postgraduate Diploma in Labour Relations and Human Resource Management - University of Colombo, Higher National Diploma in Family Counselling - Sri Lanka Foundation Institute, Colombo, National Diploma in Counselling - Sri Lanka Foundation Institute, Colombo, Advanced Certificate in Human Resource Management - National Institute of Business Management, Colombo, Certificate on Drug Counselling - National Dangerous Drugs Control Board, Colombo, Certificate in Disaster Management - Sri Lanka Institute of Development Administration, Colombo and Certificate in Computer Application - National Youth Centre, Maharagama.
