13th July 2021 18:14:19 Hours
Major General Sampath Kotuwegoda, Commandant Sri Lanka Army Volunteer Force and Colonel Commandant Regiment of Sri Lanka Artillery made a formal visit to the 14 (V) Gemunu Watch HQ, located inside the historic and picturesque Galle Fort on 07 July 2021.
The Commandant was honoured in a drive pass at the main entrance on his arrival and warmly welcomed by the Commanding Officer, Major S.A Abeysekera who subsequently explained the present status of the battalion to the Commandant SLAVF. During the visit, the Commandant examined the present status of the camp premises which has a history of over five hundred years.
The Galle Fort which is a splendid monument that dominates the southern capital city was initially built by the Portuguese and converted by the Dutch into a magnificent and secure precinct of maritime administration. In 1883, the history records that, a Volunteer Force detachment of the British Royal Infantry Company was deployed in Galle and later, the 13th Company of the Lanka Infantry Regiment had been deployed at the same location. In a subsequent period, 2 (V) GW was originated in Galle and located within the Galle Fort. Currently, the troops of 14 (V) GW have been deployed in this premises.
During the camp visit, the Commandant planted a sapling to mark his visit. Commanding Officers of 3 (V) Battalion the Gemunu Watch, 12 (V) Engineer Services Regiment and 2 (V) Battalion Sri Lanka Army Corps of Agriculture and Livestock which are located in the Southern area participated in the occasion and briefed him about the present deployment, duties and development of the respective regiments.
Meanwhile, the Officers and Other Ranks of the battalion had a golden opportunity to interact with the Commandant of the Sri Lanka Army Volunteer Force at the All Ranks tea organized and the Commandant appreciated assistance given by the All Ranks towards the betterment of respective battalions and the day’s programme concluded after marking remarks of the visitors’ book.
Major General Christy Jayasinghe, SLAVF's Deputy Commandant, Brigadier S.N Samarawickrama, Inspector of Training of the HQ SLAVF along with other Senior Officers, Officers and All Ranks of respective battalions participated in the occasion.
The visit has been organized by strictly adhering to all precautionary measures to prevent COVID-19.
