SLLI's New Colonel of the Regiment Assumes Responsibilities

Major General Channa Weerasuriya, the newly-appointed Chief of Staff of the Army took over duties amidst religious blessings as the 15th Colonel of the Regiment of Sri Lanka Light Infantry (SLLI) on Saturday (Dec 03) during a simple ceremony.

The day's protagonist was warmly welcomed by Colonel Sujith Kulasekara, Centre Commandant - SLLI and Colonel Ruwan Siriwardena, Deputy Centre Commandant - SLLI after he was greeted in a colourful Guard Turnout. As has been the practice, a formal Guard of Honour, coloured with the SLLI's newest mascot, 'Kandula' afterwards honoured the incoming new Colonel of the Regiment.

Later, the new Colonel of the Regiment offered a floral tribute remembering SLLI's fallen war heroes at the state-of-the art SLLI's monument in the premises. It followed the customary planting of a sapling in the Regimental HQ premises as a symbol of memory. Afterwards, Major General Channa Weerasuriya warmed his new office as Colonel of the Regiment after lighting the traditional oil lamp before he left his signature symbolically for an official document to signify the acceptance of the new responsibility.

Towards the end of the day's proceedings, he was invited to pose for a group photograph before he addressed the troops. During the customary lunch that followed, he took time off to interact with the troops. He succeeded Major General Jagath Kodithuwakku who just retired from the Army.