29th June 2023 10:50:12 Hours
Air Marshal S.K Pathirana WWV and Bar, RWP and Bar, RSP and three Bars, VSV, USP, MSc (MOA) USA, MSc (Def Stu) in Mgt, M Phil (Ind), MIM(SL), ndc (Ind), psc, qfi Commander of the Air Force on the eve of his retirement from service paid a formal courtesy call on Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage RWP RSP ndu, Commander of the Army at the Army Headquarters as per military tradition, on Monday (26).
A colour-rich Guard Turnout and a Guard of Honour, presented by troops of the Sri Lanka Light Infantry Regiment at the Army Headquarters greeted the day's Chief Guest who formally reviewed the parade before he received the salute from a special dais. He was received by Major General S.R.B Aluvihare RWP RSP ndu psc, Adjutant General on arrival at the Army Headquarters.
Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage afterwards extended a warm welcome to the outgoing Air Force Chief at the main entrance to the Army HQ main building where the Commander of the Army and all Principal Staff Officers sat for a group photograph, together with the visiting Commander of the Air Force before the Commander of the Army invited the Commander of the Air Force to his office.
During the brief meeting with the Commander of the Army, both of them exchanged views on ongoing tri-service commitments in operational assignments and other general matters of importance to both services. Further, they shared views on existing cooperation between both organizations.
Extending best wishes on his retirement, Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage awarded a memento to the Air Force Commander towards the culmination of the interactive meeting. The gesture was reciprocated.
Before his exit from the Commander’s office, Air Marshal S.K Pathirana WWV and Bar, RWP and Bar, RSP and three Bars, VSV, USP, MSc (MOA) USA, MSc (Def Stu) in Mgt, M Phil (Ind), MIM(SL), ndc (Ind), psc, qfi left a few complimentary remarks in the visitors’ book at the Commander's office as a symbol of memory.
