ARMY CHIEF VISITS THE HEADQUARTERS SRI LANKA ARMY VOLUNTEER FORCE

In parallel to the 144^th anniversary, celebration of SLAVF held on 01 April, Lieutenant General B K G M L Rodrigo RSP ctf-ndu psc IG, the Commander of the Army, visited the Headquarters Sri Lanka Army Volunteer Force on 08 April 2025.

On Arrival, the Commander of the Army was warmly welcomed by Brigadier B M R J Bandara, Deputy Commandant (Overlooking) of the Sri Lanka Army Volunteer Force, along with the Principal Staff Officer-SLAVF and Commanding Officer of Headquarters Battalion- SLAVF. Subsequently, the Army Chief was accorded a Guard Turnout at the main entrance. Afterwards, the Commander of the Army was ushered by Major General D K S K Dolage USP nps psc, the Commandant SLAVF to the Memorial of Captain Saliya Aladeniya in order to pay tribute to fallen War Heroes by laying floral wreath. Following this, he was accorded an elegant Guard of Honour by the troops of Sri Lanka Artillery.

To commemorate the visit, a group photograph was taken with the Army Chief together with senior officers of Volunteer Force at the entrance of the office complex and planted a sapling at the Headquarters premises.

After a while, the Commandant SLAVF delivered the welcome speech and invited to the Commander of Army to address the audience which was consisted of 500 gathering including officers and other ranks of the Volunteer Force at Rendezvous pavilion.

Accepting the invitation, the Army Chief delivered encouraging and appreciative remarks. His remarks emphasized the significance of Clean Sri Lanka Initiatives. He further stated that the ultimate purpose of this is to create a salutary citizen filled with ethics and he urged to begin it from the family, the smallest entity of the society.

Further, he highlighted that maintaining discipline and integrity are key factors to uphold the highest standards of the Army and further stated that he paid zero tolerance on military personnel who tarnish the reputation of the organization before the public by engaging with the illegal activities. Moreover, he shed some light on training and physical fitness which are vital for every soldiers to perform as defenders of the nation. Additionally, he mentioned that seniority, meritocracy and experience would be considered for upcoming promotions in the Army.

Later on, he addressed the officers and instructed them to pay especial attention on meals, accommodations, welfare facilities, leave and pay of the soldiers since boosting the morale of soldiers is an essential for smooth functioning of the entire organization. Further, he expressed gratitude to the Commandant, all Officers and Other Ranks for successfully arranging the event and wished for New Year.

The event featured the presentation of maiden copy of 52^nd edition „Ranawaruna‟ magazine as an especial anniversary publication to the Commander of the Army by the Commandant SLAVF.

After a while, an exchange of mementoes between the visiting Commander of the Army and the Commandant SLAVF was took place in order to mark his visit.

Afterwards, the apex of the day‟s programme, the Commander of the Army ceremonially opened the newly constructed Rendezvous Cricket Ground by unveiling a commemorative plaque and this will be utilized by the Ragama Cricket Club for cricketing purposes in future collaboratively upon the agreement signed by the both parties. Then the Chief Guest together with invitees opened the turf amidst sounds of “Magul Bera”. The Head of the National Development Centre Sri Lanka Cricket, Mr. Kamal Dharmasiri and the President of Ragama Cricket Club, Mr. Roshan Iddamalgoda and several officials representing Sri Lanka Cricket Board and Ragama Cricket Board were participated the inauguration. Troops of 4^th (Volunteer) Regiment Sri Lanka Engineers showcased their expertise in engineering and technical skills in the construction of the ground.

To end with, the Commander of the Army participated in a customary tea arrangement and cordially interacted with all ranks. Before leaving the HQ SLAVF, the Commander of the Army penned down some complimentary remarks in the visitors' book.