16th August 2023 00:24:48 Hours
Major General M.K.U.P Gunaratne RSP ndu psc IG of Sri Lanka Artillery assumed office as the new Commander, Security Forces-East (SF-E) on Monday (14 August) amidst religious blessings and military formalities at the Security Force Headquarters - East (SFHQ-E) in Welikanda.
The day’s proceedings began with a Guard Turnout salute no sooner than the new East Commander arrived at the main entrance. Subsequently, he was warmly welcomed by Brigadier General Staff at the SFHQ-E, Brigadier A.H.D Ariyasena RWP RSP USP psc ptsc and accompanied him to receive the salute of the Guard of Honour, presented by 9 Sri Lanka Artillery troops in his honour.
Moments later, amid religious rites and rituals and ‘Seth Pirith’ chanted by members of the ‘Maha Sangha’, Major General M.K.U.P Gunaratne RSP ndu psc IG assumed his new office by placing his signature symbolically for an official document.
The occasion was made more memorable as the incoming new Commander, Security Forces-East posed for a few group photographs before planting a sapling in the SFHQ compound. The customary address to the troops by the new East Commander followed next.
Towards the end of the day’s agenda, he interacted with the troops during an All Rank tea at the Privates' Mess.
General Officers Commanding of 22, 23 and 24 Infantry Divisions, Commander, Forward Maintenance Area - East, Brigade Commanders, Commanding Officers, Staff Officers and Other Ranks took part in the series of events.
