05th September 2021 16:19:52 Hours
The Special Forces (SF) Regimental Headquarters at Naula laid a red carpet welcome and awarded colour-rich military honours to General Shavendra Silva, Chief of Defence Staff and Commander of the Army, who is also the Colonel of the Regiment, Special Forces when he arrived there this morning (5) to inaugurate its state-of-the art new facility complex and the new Warrant Officers’ and Sergeants’ Mess.
A vibrant Guard Turnout at the entrance to the SF Regimental HQ at first greeted the day’s Chief Guest after the SF Centre Commandant, Brigadier Nissanka Eriyagama received the day’s Chief Guest in keeping with military formalities before he was warmly received by Major General Harendra Ranasinghe, Commander Reserve Strike Corps and Major General Sujeewa Senarathyapa, Commander Security Forces-West, two of the most Senior Officers.
The brief but the dignified event that got underway adhering to health guidelines then saw General Shavendra Silva unveil the separate name-board and the special plaque before the day’s Chief Guest declared the new ‘Eagle Den’ facility complex open by cutting a ribbon. The new facility includes a Canteen, Tailor Shop, Saloon and a separate Grocery shop and facilitates the SF troops to receive those services at subsidized rates.
As the second segment of the day’s proceedings, the Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM) afterwards invited their visiting Colonel of the Regiment to warm the newly-erected Warrant Officers’ and Sergeants’ Mess building with top-level standards inside the SF Regimental HQ compound by unveiling the special plaque to that effect and cutting a ribbon amid ‘Seth Pirith’ chanting of members of the Maha Sangha. The day’s Chief Guest had a close look inside the new building afterwards in the company of several Officers and the RSM and expressed his appreciation for all those who toiled to make it an outstanding one.
Towards the conclusion of the day’s inaugural itinerary, Regimental Sergeant Major - Regimental Headquarters SF symbolized the SF's gratitude and appreciation to the day’s Chief Guest by presenting a special memento in the presence of others. Prior to his departure, General Shavendra Silva left a few complimentary remarks in the SF Visitors’ Book and left memories. A restricted crowd of Senior Officers, including Brigadier Thushara Mahalekamge, Commander Special Forces Brigade, Brigadier Vipula Ihalage, Commandant MSTS, Commanding Officers of Special Forces Regiments and Other Ranks witnessed the day’s proceedings, strictly following health guidelines.
Both projects, erected by Corps of Engineer Service and SF troops were made possible within a short span of time due to untiring efforts of Brigadier Nissanka Eriyagama, Centre Commandant SF and Council Members in the SF who generously supported and implemented the projects with funds, made available by the SF Regimental HQ. The SF Colonel of the Regiment conceptualized the establishment of these facilities when he arrived there a few months ago.
