FAREWELL BIDING TO THE OUTGOING ARCHERS CHIEF

Invigorating an age-old military tradition, the Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment hosted a farewell ceremony in honour of the retiring 64th Chief of Staff of the Sri Lanka Army and the 22nd Colonel of the Regiment of the Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment, Major General Rohitha Aluvihare RWP RSP ndu psc at the Regimental Centre, Boyagane, Kurunegala, in which his 36 years of distinguished service was hailed and awarded accolades on 15 September 2024.

As the first segment of the ceremony, Chief of Staff of the Sri Lanka Army and Colonel of the Regiment of the Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment was warmly received upon his arrival at the Regimental Centre and was accorded a Guard Turnout at the main entrance in accordance with military formalities and then he paid floral tributes to the fallen Vijayabahu War Heroes at the War Heroes Monument` and PWV Monument. Simultaneously, Colonel of the Regiment accepted the regimental salute at the ceremonial Guard of Honour accorded inclusive of Regimental Colours at the regimental parade ground.

Adding memories to the day, the Colonel of the Regiment was invited to pose for a group photograph with all officers at the regimental parade ground. Whilst addressing the troops, he paid his special tribute to Former Colonels of the Regiment and Ex-Archers members for their invaluable service that made for the Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment and further he extended his sincere gratitude to all members of the Regimental Centre.

After a while, the retiring Colonel of the Regiment joined with all ranks tea to have interaction with all troops arranged at Men`s Club and later was honoured by a special tea arranged at WOs` & Sgts` Mess.

Thereafter, the Colonel of the Regiment, Major General Rohitha Aluvihare placed his signature in a formal document in his office, symbolizing the relinquishment of duties and handing over the VIR legacy to his successor and next Archers` Chief, Major General Nalin Bandaranayake USP, General Officer Commanding 14 Infantry Division and later, retiring Colonel of the Regiment was formally blessed with the traditional street lining prior to his departure.

Summing up the series of events, the regiment hosted a Farewell Dinner Night to mark the retirement of Major General Rohitha Aluvihare along with his family at “The Salute” multifunctional hall in the same evening.

Members of the Regimental Council and several senior officers including other officers, along with their spouses, attended the farewell dinner which reached its climax with the presentation of mementos to the day's protagonists in appreciation of the service rendered to the Regiment and the Army as a whole. As a custom, a specially designed token of appreciation was also presented to the outgoing President of the Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment Seva Vanitha Branch, Mrs. Thushara Yatiwawala Aluvihare

All Officers and Other Ranks of the Regiment extended their heartfelt gratitude to distinguished outgoing Archers` Chief for his commitment and dedication to the Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment and wished him a healthy, wealthy, peaceful and prosperous retired life