29th July 2022 10:12:08 Hours
The Sri Lanka Army Volunteer Force (SLAVF) HQ complex at Salawa, Kosgama this morning (23) laid a red carpet welcome to Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage, Commander of the Army when he as the Chief Guest arrived there to open the new administrative building complex in the premises, symbolizing the revival of the SLAVF administration as before after the SLAVF Salawa compound was reduced to ashes in a blazing inferno several years ago due to an accidental explosion.
Major General Sujeewa Senarath Yapa, SLAVF Commandant extended a warm welcome to the Army Chief on arrival at the recently-opened new main gate where a formal Guard Turnout greeted the day's Chief Guest before he was invited to receive the honours in conformity with military traditions. A colourfully-dressed parade, composed of Sri Lanka Light Infantry troops then presented their arms and saluted Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage, Commander of the Army after the parade commander reported it to the day's Chief Guest requesting him to review it.
After unveiling a symbolic plaque, amid blessings of ‘Seth Pirith’ chanting and other major denominations, the day's Chief Guest as the auspicious minute struck, cut a ribbon and warmed the new office complex in order to enter the ground floor. The Army Chief also did not forget to share a few thoughts with the Buddhist monks present there after receipt of their blessings.
Accompanied by the SLAVF Commandant and Senior Officers, the day's Chief Guest, taking an interest in the whole project afterwards visited all sections in the well-equipped modern building complex and saw for himself how attractively and usefully the construction has been completed and in turn commended the SLAVF Commandant and All Ranks for acceleration of the project.
The re-establishment of the new SLAVF administrative complex and its revival after several years having functioned from the nearby Logistic Command HQ compound, coincides with the ‘Army Way Forward Strategy-2020/2025’ and cost the Army about Rs 75 million. Troops of the Sri Lanka Engineers, Corps of Engineer Services and all other support regiments erected the well-equipped new storied building of high architectural design and brought it to completion in close consultation with civil consultants and experts.
As the final segment, the visiting Army Chief was invited to leave memories of his visit by planting a sapling in the compound and adding his thoughts and compliments to the occasion in the SLAVF Visitors' Book before his departure. The Army Chief and Senior Officers were presented with mementoes by Major General Sujeewa Senarath Yapa as symbols of appreciation.
Senior Officers, including the Chief of Staff, Deputy Chief of Staff, Director General General Staff, Adjutant General, Quarter Master General, Master General Ordnance, Director General Infantry, Commander, Security Forces-West, Commander - Army Logistic Command, Officers and Other Ranks serving the SLAVF were associated with the opening ceremony.
The Sri Lanka Army Volunteer Force has been in a continuous state of mobilization and has functioned as a supplement force to boost the regular Army by means of short service tenures and reduced recruitment restrictions, based on age and qualifications.
