SRI LANKA ARMY VOLUNTEER FORCE BIDS FAREWELL TO DEPUTY COMMANDANT

Following a remarkable tenure in the office as the 34 th Deputy Commandant of the Sri Lanka Army Volunteer Force, Major General B M R J Bandara relinquished the duties on 30 July 2025.

A series of formalities were conducted in connection with the relinquishment of the appointment, commencing with the review of Guard Turnout accorded to the outgoing Deputy Commandant on his arrival at the venue. The senior officer was received by Brigadier P M S Karunaratne psc, Principal Staff Officer-SLAVF, Brigadier H A Keerthinatha RSP KSP psc, Brigadier Administration-SLAVF, Colonel B R W M R A B Thoradeniya, Deputy Centre Commandant-SLNG and Colonel H P D A Wijesekera, CO HQ Battalion -SLAVF.

Afterwards, the outgoing Deputy Commandant paid his tribute by laying a wreath on the memorial of Captain Saliya Aladeniya PWV in the gesture of cherished memories of fallen war heroes who sacrificed their lives on this soil. Later, Brigadier B J Lekamge RSP KSP, Inspector of Training of the Sri Lanka Army Volunteer Force ushered the outgoing Deputy Commandant to the saluting dais to receive the Guard of Honours amidst melodies of patriotic songs in the air.

Later, in accordance with the military customs, the senior officer unveiled his portrait marking an indelible chapter and posed for a group photograph with the staff in front of the SLAVF office complex.

After a while, addressing the gathering, the senior officer recalled the memory of fallen war heroes and traced on the significance of promising to the liabilities vested on every member, for the betterment of this prestigious establishment and conveyed his compliments for future endeavours. In addition, he extended his gratitude to all the members of the Volunteer Force who integrated with him in realizing organizational objectives during his office.

Then, the Senior Officer was accorded a customary tea arranged by All Ranks and he was presented a special souvenir as a gesture of goodwill in memory of his tenure in the Headquarters of the Volunteer Force by Warrant Officers and Sergeants of SLAVF.

Subsequently, as a symbolic gesture of handing over duties, the outgoing Deputy Commandant signed the official documents and penned his thoughts and good wishes on Visitor’s Book.

Later, Major General B M R J Bandara left the office of the Sri Lanka Army Volunteer Force amidst good-bye cheers of the Officers and Other Ranks who street lined on both sides of the road leading to the Main Gate.

The day’s proceedings reached the culmination with the customary colorful Mess Night in an honour of over thirty-five years of his service to the nation held at the Officers’ Mess-SLAVF. His ceremonial departure from the Army was attended by the Senior Officers, Officers and their spouses.