05th November 2025 18:24:20 Hours
General Officer Commanding of the 58 Infantry Division, Major General AMA Abeywardana WWV RWP RSP ndc, assumed office as the 26th Colonel of the Regiment of the Gemunu Watch on Thursday, 23 October 2025, amidst religious observances and traditional military formalities at the Regimental Centre premises, Kuruwita.
Thereafter, amid religious rites and rituals, followed by the ‘Seth Pirith’ chanting of the Maha Sangha, Major General Ajith Abeywardana assumed his duties in the new office, placing his signature symbolically on an official document at the auspicious minute to signify the acceptance of his new office.
The programme commenced with the arrival of the new Colonel of the Regiment, who was received by the Centre Commandant of the Regiment Centre Brigadier K M N Dikkumbura RSP and honoured with a Guard Turnout at the main entrance. New Colonel of the Regiment Major General AMA Abeywardana WWV RWP RSP ndc was honored with the vibrant Guard of Honour at the Parade Ground premises of the Regimental Center and in accordance with military traditions, the incumbent Colonel of the Regiment reviewed the parade together with Center Commandant.
Major General AMA Abeywardana WWV RWP RSP ndc, joined the Sri Lanka Army on 09 December 1991, after completing his primary and secondary education at Wikramabahu Central College,Gampola. Following his successful completion of basic military training at the Sri Lanka Military Academy, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant and assigned to the 1st Battalion of the Gemunu Watch as a Platoon Commander.
Throughout his career, he has held many important key appointments, including Intelligence Officer in the 1st Battalion of the Gemunu Watch, Officer Commanding of the 1st Battalion of the Gemunu Watch, Operation and Training Officer in the 9th Battalion of the Gemunu Watch and Second in Command of the 9th Battalion the Gemunu Watch. Notably, Major General AMA Abeywardana WWV RWP RSP ndc was served as the second commanding officer of the prestigious 24th Battalion the Gemunu Watch.
His exceptional leadership played a pivotal role in eradicating separatist terrorism from the motherland. Throughout his illustrious military career, he has served in a wide range of staff and command appointments, showcasing his versatility and dedication. These roles have included Adjutant - Infantry Training Centre, Second in Command of the United Nation Peacekeeping Operation Gemunu Watch Battalion in Haiti, Staff Officer 1 (Admin), Security Forces Headquarters (Jaffna), Officiating General Staff Officer 1 (Operation) - 55 Infantry Division, General Staff Officer 1 (Coord) - 21 Infantry Division, Staff Officer 1 (Log) - Regimental Headquarter the Gemunu Watch, Deputy Centre Commandant - Regimental Headquarter the Gemunu Watch, Overlook duties of Centre Commandant - Regimental Headquarter the Gemunu Watch, Commander- 541 Infantry Brigade, Commander - 533 Infantry Brigade, Attached to Ministry Of Defense function as Director, Ranaviru Seva Authority, Deputy General Officer Commanding, 57 Infantry Division and currently, he holds the esteemed position of General Officer Commanding 58 Infantry Division.
Major General Ajith Abeywardana has actively participated in major operations such as Riviresa, Jayasikuru, Sathjaya, Kinihira, Edibala, Ranagosa, Agnikheela and including humanitarian operations in the North and East, over his 34 years of service in the Sri Lanka Army. His bravery and selfless dedication on the battlefield have been recognized with prestigious awards such as ‘Weera Wickrama Vibushana medal’, 'Rana Wickrama Padakkama' and 'Rana Sura Padakkama’ twice.
Furthermore, he has been honored with East Humanitarian Operation Medal , North Humanitarian Operation Medal, Purna Bhumi Padakkama, North and East Operation Medal, Riviresa Campaign Service Medal, 50thIndependence Anniversary Medal, 75thIndependence Day Commemoration Medal, Sri Lanka Army 50th Anniversary Medal, Sri Lanka Armed Services Long Service Medal, Sevabhimani Medal, Service Medal in appreciation of his valued military career.
As the day’s final showcase, Colonel of the Regiment joined the customary all rank tea party organized at the Swimming Pool premises after commemorating the fallen war heroes at the Regimental monument. Then he made his inaugural address for all ranks at the Paradise Hall.
Moreover the regimental council was gathered at the conference hall to witnessing the first most council held by new Colonel of the Regiment. At the climax of the event, a lunch was hosted for the newly appointed Colonel of the Regiment by the Regimental Centre.
All Council members, the Centre Commandant, all Senior Officers, Officers, Staff Officers and other ranks at the Regimental Centre extended their well wishes to the new Colonel of the Regiment.
