23rd November 2025 09:59:16 Hours
Major General S A U A Solangaarachchi RSP ndc psc, the General Officer Commanding of the 56 Infantry Division, conducted an official visit to the 561 Infantry Brigade and its under-command battalions on 21 November 2025. His itinerary included inspections of the 16 Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment, the 10 Sri Lanka Light Infantry Regiment, and the Battalion Training School at Alankulam. The visit focused on assessing operational preparedness, boosting troop morale, and strengthening coordination among all units under the Division.
Upon arrival, the GOC was warmly welcomed by the Brigade Major of the 561 Infantry Brigade, Major M A D N Kumara psc SLSC, along with Commanding Officers, senior and junior officers, senior non-commissioned officers, and other ranks. During the visit, Major General Anuruddha Solangaarachchi engaged closely with troops, attentively listening to their concerns and offering guidance and motivation. He emphasized the importance of discipline, operational vigilance, and unwavering dedication to duty, while also providing strategic direction on upcoming operational and administrative priorities.
As part of the field inspection, the GOC visited A Company at Puthur and C Company at Nadunkerny of the 16 SLSR, where he evaluated the ground-level operational readiness and welfare measures in place for the troops. He later proceeded to the Battalion Training School at Arlankulama to observe ongoing training modules and assess the institution’s role in developing battalion-level competencies. In alignment with the Division’s commitment to environmental conservation, Major General Solangaarachchi also planted saplings at each location, symbolizing the Army’s ongoing support for sustainability.
To formally conclude the programme, the GOC signed the Visitors’ Book. Senior staff officers of the 56 Infantry Division, including the Colonel General Staff and Colonel Administration & Quartering, accompanied the visit to ensure proper coordination and adherence to protocol.
