Previous SLAVF Commandant Honoured in Formal Farewell Ceremony

A Guard Turnout and a parade, held at the Sri Lanka Army Volunteer Force (SLAVF) Headquarters on Thursday (16) at Salawa, Kosgama bade farewell to the former SLAVF Commandant, Major General Channa Goonetilleke in accordance with military traditions.

Major General Channa Goonetilleke is currently the Deputy Chief of Staff of the Army.

The formal ceremony that coincided with his relinquishment of office as the SLAVF Commandant a few days ago, began upon his arrival at the premises, to be received by Brigadier W.H.D Mahanada, Deputy Commandant, SLAVF on behalf of the incumbent SLAVF Commandant, Major General Boniface Perera who was away from the location for a few hours, due to an urgent commitment elsewhere.

At the entrance to the SLAVF Headquarters, the visiting former Commandant reviewed the Guard Turn Out at first, and was afterwards invited to take the salute in the Guard of Honour by the parade commander. The Chief Guest reviewed the parade in conformity with military formalities and took the salute from a special dais in the company of the SLAVF Deputy Commandant.

Later on, Major General Goonetilleke addressed the troops and thanked each and everyone in the SLAVF for their support during his tenure as the Commandant. An all rank tea party in the premises after a while facilitated the outgoing SLAVF Commandant to share a couple of thoughts with the troops who have assembled there to wish him goodbye.

At the same time, the Regimental Sergeant Major appreciating his valuable services to the SLAVF presented him with a special memento before the day’s Chief Guest posed for a group photo.

A street line arrangement later on extended greetings of all officers and rankers to the outgoing senior officer as his motorcade began moving towards the main gate.

Later in the evening, a customary farewell dinner arrangement formally bade farewell to the outgoing SLAVF Commandant. During that colourful ceremony, Major General Boniface Perera, Commandant, SLAVF presented him with a replica of a sword as a memento and extended the SLAVF greetings for his future prospects. He also left in signature in the SLAVF VIP book.

A large gathering of senior SLAVF officers, including Mrs Channa Goonetilleke, Mrs Renuka Perera, Brigadier K. Premathilake, Principal Staff Officer, Sri Lanka National Guard Centre Commandant, coordinating officers, civil coordinators, Commanding Officers and other invitees were associated with those ceremonies.