13th July 2024 18:07:34 Hours
Major General H H K S S Hewage RWP RSP USP rcds psc assumed duties as the 5th Commandant of the Army War College (AWC), Buttala on 12 July 2024 with a brief ceremony.
The new Commandant was accorded with a Guard Turnout on his arrival at the main gate and was warmly received by the Deputy Commandant with other Senior Officers. Subsequently, after observing the Buddhist religious practices administered by Rev Mapakada Premarathna Nayaka Thero of Katugahagalge Temple Badalkumbura, the formalities of assuming duties with the signing of documents at auspicious time marked the acceptance of new office amidst chanting of 'Seth Pirith' and religious blessings invoked by Maha Sangha.
Soon after assuming duties, the Commandant posed for a photograph with all the Officers and Other Ranks serving in the AWC and planted a sapling of White Sandalwood (Tantalum album) in the college premises to mark the occasion. Subsequently, he carried out the ‘Troops Address’ at the Main Auditorium where he emphasized the importance of everybody’s contribution and support in accomplishing the objectives, vision and mission of the AWC.
The brief ceremony was culminated with ‘All Rank Welcome Tea’ arranged at the Multi Facility Complex during which the new Commandant interacted with the attendees.