15th October 2024 17:29:49 Hours
The Commander of 1 Corps and Colonel of the Commando Regiment, Major General Shanaka Rathnayaka RWP RSP ndc, received a traditional and honored farewell organized on 09 October 2024 at the Commando Regimental Centre. The retiring Colonel of the Regiment was accorded a ceremonial guard turnout, followed by a guard of honour salute at the regimental parade square. Serving Commando senior officers accompanied the retiring Colonel of the Regiment to lay floral tributes for the valiant fallen Commandos at the Commando Regimental War Memorial.
Afterward, he posed for a group photograph with all the officers in front of the Commando Regimental Officer's Mess. Major General Shanaka Rathnayaka then addressed the Commandos gathered at the newly opened "Maroon Legacy" lecture hall, as it was his last military troop address.
On 09 October 2024, all the staff of the Commando Regimental Centre honored the outgoing Colonel of the Regiment with an extended line. The Guest Night at the Officers' Mess for Major General Shanaka Rathnayaka was held on the same day, attended by Commando officers. During his farewell speech, he recalled all the support he received from the Commando family throughout his military career.
Major General KHMS Wickramaratne RSP, GOC 53 Infantry Division, Brigadier MR Razick RSP ndu, the Centre Commandant of the Commando Regiment, and Brigadier KVIL Jayaweera USP, the Commander of the Commando Brigade, were present at the event, along with all council members, senior officers, and a significant number of Commandos.
