06th July 2022 17:14:01 Hours
Major General Anil Samarasiri, the former General Officer Commanding of the 65 Division on the verge of his retirement from the Army, having served more than 34 years in an exemplary manner as a dedicated War Hero was invited to the office of the Commander of the Army, together with his family members on Wednesday (6) where his committed service was hailed by the Army Chief.
During his final call to the Commander's office, Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage, Commander of the Army commended his dedicated and committed roles in various capacities and praised his loyalty to the organization and also his integrity throughout.
The prestigious Commando Regiment (CR)-groomed Senior Officer during his tenure of office served many key appointments before he was appointed as the General Officer Commanding of the 65 Division of the Security Force HQ-Wanni.
The Army Chief during the interaction inquired into the senior Officer's future plans after leaving the Army and shared a few thoughts with his family members who were present at the occasion. The Army Chief commended his role as a dedicated Commando during his career.
The outgoing Senior Officer also in turn thanked the Commander of the Army for his wishes and thoughtfulness while mentioning about the encouragement he received in the performance of his duties. Towards the end of the interaction, Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage awarded a special memento to the outgoing Major General Anil Samarasiri as a symbol of appreciation and commendation, along with a special gift to the family.
A brief service profile of Major General Anil Samarasiri is as follows:
The Senior Officer who actively contributed to the war against terrorism is an extremely trustworthy, loyal, and disciplined Senior Officer, who has been performing his assignments beyond expectations, ensuring the highest eminence of the organization. Among many appointments, he held were , the office of the Second in Command, 2 Commando Regiment, Brigade Major, Commando Brigade, Chief Instructor, Parachute Training Wing, Commando Regiment Training School, Chief Instructor, Commando Regiment Training School, Commanding Officer, 2 Commando Regiment, Commanding Officer, 3 Commando Regiment ,Commanding Officer, 5 Commando Regiment, Chief Instructor, Institute of Peace Support Operations Training Sri Lanka, Commandant, Commando Regiment Training School, Personal Security Officer to Commander of the Army in 2009, Colonel Training, Directorate of Training, Army Headquarters, Officiating Commander, 512 Infantry Brigade, Officiating Commander, 233 Infantry Brigade, Commander, Commando Brigade, Director Operations, Operations Branch, OCDS, Commandant, Army Training School at Maduru Oya, and the General Officer Commanding, 65 Division.
Major General Anil Samarasiri was the recipient of Rana Wickrama Padakkama (Awarded two times), Rana Sura Padakkama, Uththama Seva Padakkama, East Humanitarian Operation Medal and Clasp, North Humanitarian Operation Medal and Clasp, Purna Bhumi Padakkama, North and East Operations Medal, Riviresa Campaign Service Medal and Clasp, 50th Independence Anniversary Commemoration Medal, Sri Lanka Army 50th Anniversary Medal, Sri Lanka Armed Services Long Service Medal and Clasp, Sevabimani Padakkama, Seva Padakkama and Videsha Seva Padakkama.
Major General Anil Samarasiri enlisted in the Regular Force of the Sri Lanka Army as an Officer Cadet on 06 October 1988 to General Sir John Kotelawala Defence Academy, Rathmalana. Upon successful completion of military training at the Sri Lanka Military Academy - Diyatalawa, he was commissioned in the rank of Second Lieutenant and posted to the Commando Regiment on 05 October 1990. After being steadily elevated to subsequent ranks in the course of the span of service in the Army, he was promoted to the rank of Major General on 02 August 2021.
He has also been awarded Commando Colours and Army Colours for Skydiving achievements in 2012 and 2013. The Senior Officer, who made a significant contribution to the war against terrorism, played a leading role in the battlefield as an Infantry Battalion Commander; especially during the era of Humanitarian Operation. In recognition of the dedicated service, rendered to the Army in general, he was designated as General Officer Commanding, 65 Infantry Division, which is one of the most senior and prestigious appointments that could be held by a Senior Officer in the rank of Major General. To his credit, he has also followed a number of both overseas and local study courses.
