24th December 2022 21:30:43 Hours
Major General Shanaka Rathnayaka assumed duties as the new Colonel of the Regiment, Commando Regiment (CR) on Thursday (Dec 22) during a brief ceremony held at the Commando Regiment Regimental Centre at Ganemulla.
The incoming Senior Officer was warmly welcomed by Brigadier Kamal Dharmawardena, CR Centre Commandant and was saluted in a colourful Guard Turnout before CR troops presented an elegant ceremonial parade in his honour at the parade ground. He also shared memories by posing for several group photographs with serving CR Officers, Retired Commando Officers and the Officers of the Intake 32.
The Chief Guest also did not forget to pay floral tributes to the memory of fallen CR War Heroes. At the auspicious minute, he placed his signature in an official document and signified the acceptance of the new office, amid 'Pirith' chanting of members of the Maha Sangha. After brief interactions during refreshments, the newly-appointed Colonel Commandant addressed the troops at the RHQ- CR premises.
He succeeds Major General Crishantha Gnanaratne who just retired from the Army.
