Retiring Senior Officer's Services Hailed

Major General GD Sooriyabandara USP of the Sri Lanka Armoured Corps, General Officer Commanding of the 59 Division on the eve of his retirement, on invitation arrived at the office of the Commander of the Army, Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage on Monday (3), together with his family members.

During the meeting, the Army Chief praised him for his notable service and his diverse responsibilities, tirelessly fulfilled with commitment and dedication. He also refreshed memories of the retiree’s invaluable sacrifices and dedicated roles during the height of the war against terrorism as an Armoured Officer before May 2009. The Senior Officer, having served the Army for more than 34 years in an exemplary manner, will retire shortly.

The Army Chief while sharing a few pleasantries with his family members invited to the occasion also inquired into the retiring Senior Officer's future endeavours and plans and wished him good luck. He also did not mince words to commend the invaluable support that has been given by his family members throughout, supporting the duty roles of the outgoing Senior Officer on duty at ground level.

The retiring Senior Officer also in turn thanked the Commander of the Army for his wishes and guidance while mentioning the encouragement he received in the performance of his duties. Towards the end of the interaction, Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage awarded a special memento to the outgoing Major General as a symbol of appreciation and commendation, along with a special gift to the family.

Major General GD Sooriyabandara USP enlisted in the National Armed Reserve on 27 January 1986. Upon successful completion of basic military training in the Short Service Commissioning Scheme, he was commissioned in the rank of Second Lieutenant in the Regular Force of the Sri Lanka Army and posted to the Sri Lanka Army General Service Corps on 01 January 1988. Subsequently, the Senior Officer was posted to the Sri Lanka Armoured Corps on 01 January 1990. He was promoted to the rank of Major General on 07 May 2021.

He was holding the appointment of General Officer Commanding, 59 Infantry Division at the time of his retirement. He also held the appointments of troop leader, Squadron Commander, Security Group Commander, Second-in-Command, Staff Officer 2 (Supply), Commanding Officer, Colonel (General Staff), Centre Commandant and Brigade Commander.

He is a recipient of Uththama Seva Padakkama, East Humanitarian Operation Medal, North Humanitarian Operation Medal and Clasp, Purna Bhumi Padakkama, North and East Operation Medal, and Clasp I and II, Riviresa Campaign Service Medal and Clasp, 50th Independence Anniversary Commemoration Medal, Sri Lanka Army 50th Anniversary Medal, Sri Lanka Armed Services Long Service Medal and Clasp, Sevabimani Padakkama and Seva Padakkama.