MAJOR GENERAL B M R J BANDARA VISITS THE VOLUNTEER BATTALIONS OF THE VIJAYABAHU INFANTRY REGIMENT

Major General B M R J Bandara made his maiden visits to 2 ^nd and 12 ^th (Volunteer) Battalions of the Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment on 23 May 2025, after being promoted as the Deputy Commandant of the Volunteer Force which is the highest eminence attainable by a Volunteer Officer in the Sri Lanka Army.

Upon arrival, Major General Janith Bandara was warmly received by the Brigadier Coordinating Officer and the Assistant Colonel Coordinating Officer of the Security Forces Headquarters (Wanni).

The military formalities were reviewed with a Guard Turnout and a Guard of Honour awarded by the troops of the 2 ^nd (Volunteer) Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment. Afterwards, the senior officer paid tribute to the members who laid down their lives by laying a wreath at the Regiment's monument. Accordance to the military hierarchical culture, the senior officer called on the Commander of the Security Forces Headquarters prior to the commencement of the day’s scheduled events.

A session dedicated for briefing of the Commanding Officers of the battalions served as a constructive forum, enabling both parties to exchange administrative concerns with reachable solutions.

The Deputy Commandant emphasized discipline as the foundation of military excellence, highlighting the urgent need to combat indiscipline, drug addiction, and unethical behavior that tarnish the Army’s reputation. He stressed the importance of genuine engagement between officers and soldiers to assess their well-being and address their concerns while upholding the Army’s traditions with integrity and professionalism.

To mark the visit, Major General Janith Bandara left his appreciation in the visitors’ book. The event was attended by Senior Officers and Officers who represented the Security Forces Headquarters (Wanni) and the Volunteer Force.