Retiring RSM at AHQ Honoured by all Regimental Sergeants Major Recognizing His Service

The Sri Lanka Army, in another turning point deviated from the usual stereotype of formalities on Monday (25) and presented military honours to an Army Headquarters-based retiring Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM), the senior most among Other Ranks as suggested by none other than the Commander of the Army himself as a recognition of his distinguished services.

Warrant Officer - I (WO) L. H. T. D Sarath Kumara of the Sri Lanka Army General Service Corps (SLAGSC) who has been serving as the Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM) of the Army Headquarters is generally held in high esteem and responsible for hundreds of Other Rankers serving the Headquarters.

Monday's formal military ceremony at the Sri Lanka Light Infantry Regimental Headquarters parade grounds in Panagoda accorded a formal salute to the retiring WO-I on the eve of his retirement from the Army in a parade, comprised of 624 Other Rankers from all 24 Army Regiments.

What was unique in the whole of the parade was the participation of Regimental Sergeants Major representing all 24 Regiments, accompanied by respective troops, a gesture that added the highest degree of dignity and recognition to the military formality and seldomly heard.

The day’s programme kicked off after the day's protagonist, Warrant Officer-I L.H.T.D Sarath Kumara arrived at the parade ground to be received in a formal welcome by WO - I M. R. G. C Kulasooriya of the Vijayabahu Infanrty Regiment (VIR) who is also the Sergeant Major at Diyatalawa Sri Lanka Military Academy (SLMA).

The retiring Warrant Officer-I L.H.T.D Sarath Kumara accompanied by the Parade Commander, WO-I B. D Saminda, RSM, Sri Lanka Armoured Corps (SLAC), together with the Drill Instructor of the Parade WO-I M. L Priyantha of the Sri Lanka Artillery in accordance with military traditions, reviewed the parade before he was presented with the customary salute after he was conducted to the saluting dais.

Addressing the farewell parade, the retiring RSM thanked the Commander of the Army for honouring him in this manner in a dignified ceremony, attended by all Regimental troops across the country. He also expressed his gratitude to all Other Rankers for the support given to him during his tenure as the RSM in the Army Headquarters. An All Rank tea at the Corporals’ Club in Panagoda brought the day’s proceedings to an end.

Mrs. L.H.T.D Sarath Kumara, the spouse of the outgoing RSM also attended the ceremony at Panagoda. The Warrant Officers and Other Ranks participated in the day’s events. Best Sneakers | Nike