31st May 2022 18:59:50 Hours
The formal relinquishment of office of the 23rd Commander of the Army General Shavendra Silva, who has now been appointed as the Chief of Defence Staff took place this afternoon (31) at a simple formality where the outgoing Commander symbolically handed over the authority, Sword and the Truncheon to his successor, Major General Vikum Liyanage, minutes after the review of the colourful Guard of Honour. The gesture that took place at the office of the Commander of the Army signified the transfer of command in the military way to the incoming Army Chief of the Gajaba Regiment.
The glittering replica of the Sword, crafted with gold and silver colour with a seven-headed lion, called ‘serapendia’ symbolizes the Command and other parts reflect natural laws, respect and dignity for profession, protection of the nation, religions, culture, and the State. The ornamental Truncheon represents the commanding authority that can only be held by an incumbent Commander of the Army. Both these symbolic replicas signify the significance of the office of the Commander of the Army and the authority it commands over the organization for the best interests of the country.
