11th October 2023 23:02:30 Hours
Award of prestigious ‘Army Commander’s Commendation’ badges that coincided with the 74th Army Anniversary Day took place at the Army Day celebrations at Panagoda where the coveted honour was pinned on 23 Officers and 20 Other Ranks who made the organization proud and admirable.
Among this distinguished group, Lieutenant Colonel (Dr) W.D.S.N Lochana Fernando USP of the Sri Lanka Army Medical Corps (SLAMC), a dental surgeon at the Colombo Army hospital joins history by receiving the reputed ‘Army Commander’s Commendation’ badge twice consecutively due to his dedicated and exceptional commitment to the service.
In the year 2022, Lieutenant Colonel (Dr) W.D.S.N Lochana Fernando USP was among 4 Officers and 15 Other Ranks who were conferred this appreciative recognition, introduced by the Commander of the Army, Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage RWP RSP ndu during its inaugural phase for the first time in the Army history on the 73rd Army Anniversary Day (10 October 2022).
On the 74th Army Anniversary Day (10 October 2023), exactly after one year he was once again awarded the ‘Army Commander’s Commendation’ badge in recognition of his tireless role as a committed dental surgeon who has been engaged not only in dentistry but also his aesthetic contribution to several regiments by way of composing regimental anthems, Defence Services Command and Staff College song and the anthem of the Multipurpose Development Task Force.
In addition, the thematic song ‘Rata Hera Noyami’ (I will not leave the country) serves as an inspiration to citizenry to remain in the country, even in the face of adversity.
This recognition is a testament to the distinctive commitment of Army personnel who are dedicated not only to the service but also beyond in all other fields of their talents.
