27th November 2024 11:34:53 Hours
General Officer Commanding of the 51 Infantry Division, Major General WBJK Wimalaratne RWP RSP, assumed office as the 25th Colonel of the Regiment of the Gemunu Watch on Monday 18, November 2024 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 Janaka Wimalaratne 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.
On 23 November 2024 the proceedings commenced with the arrival of the new Colonel of the Regiment where he was received by the Deputy Center Commandant of the Regiment Centre Colonel TMKC Amarakoon USP and honoured with a Guard Turnout at the main entrance. Subsequently, the vibrant Guard of Honour was accorded 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 Deputy Center Commandant.
Major General WBJK Wimalaratne RWP RSP esteemed career with the Sri Lanka Army on 07 September 1990 after completing his primary and secondary education at Alakolamada Kanishta Vidyalaya, Dodamgaslanda Maddya Maha Vidyalaya and Ibbagamuwa Central College. Following his successful completion of basic military training at the Pakistan Military Academy, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant and assigned to the 4th Battalion of the Gemunu Watch as a Platoon Commander. Throughout his journey, he has held various leadership positions, including Company Commander in the 4th and 12th Battalions of the Gemunu Watch, Operations and Training Officer of the 5th Battalion the Gemunu Watch, and Second in Command of the 6th Battalion the Gemunu Watch. Notably, Major General Janaka Wimalaratne RWP RSP also served as the founder and the first commanding officer of the 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 Officer Instructor at the Infantry Training Centre, Mechanical and Transport Officer at Operation Command Colombo, Chief Instructor at the Air Mobile Training School, Staff Officer II at the Directorate of Welfare, Staff Officer 1 at the Military Hospital, Sector Commander of Sector 07 at 14 Infantry Division, General Staff Officer 1 (Operations) at HQ Overall Operation Command, General Staff Officer 1 (Coordination) at Security Forces Headquarters (Kilinochchi), Security and Administration Officer at the Security and Engineer Services Branch, Colonel FMA at Forward Maintenance Area (East), Commander of the 241 Infantry Brigade, Director Recruiting at Army Headquarters, Centre Commandant at the Regiment Centre of the Gemunu Watch, and the Commandant of the Infantry Training Centre. And currently, he holds the esteemed position of General Officer Commanding of the 51 Infantry Division in Jaffna.
Over his extensive tenure, he has undergone numerous training courses both locally and overseas, enhancing his skills and knowledge in various military disciplines, including Basic Marksmanship at MSTS, Regimental Signal Officer at School of Signal, Battalion Support Weapon course at ITC, Young Officers’ course at ITC, Second in Command course at CTS, Diploma in Office Automation at SLIT, Diploma in Defence Media and Communication course at University of Colombo and Master of Public Management at SLIDA, Young officers’ course in Pakistan, Junior Command course in India, Parachute Descent Course in India, UN Military Contingent Officers’ course in India and Seminar on "Non-Traditional Security Challenges" in National Defense University - Washington, DC.
Major General Wimalaratne has actively participated in major operations, 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 the 'Rana Wickrama Padakkama', 'Rana Sura Padakkama' and ‘Desha Putra Sammanaya’.
Furthermore, he is a distinguished senior officer who has been honored with a multitude of medals, including the East Humanitarian Operation Medal , North Humanitarian Operation Medal, Purna Bhumi Padakkama, North and East Operation Medal, Riviresa Campaign Service Medal, 50th Independence Anniversary Medal, 75th Independence 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 and addressed 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.
“TARRY NOT FORWARD”
