VIR BIDS FAREWELL TO RETIRING MAJOR GENERAL SUMAL HEMARATHNA

Invigorating an age-old military tradition, the Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment hosted a farewell ceremony in honour of the retiring Major General WSN HEMARATHNA RWP RSP psc at the Regimental Centre, Boyagane, Kurunegala, in which his 34 years of distinguished service was hailed and awarded accolades on 06 June 2025.

As the first segment of the ceremony, Major General Sumal Hemarathna 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, Major General Sumal Hemarathna 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, Major General Sumal Hemarathna 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 Major General Sumal Hemarathna joined with all ranks tea to have interaction with all troops arranged at Men`s Club.

Summing up the series of events, the regiment hosted a Farewell Dinner Night to mark the retirement of Major General Sumal Hemarathna 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. Nimali Hemarathna.

All Officers and Other Ranks of the Regiment extended their heartfelt gratitude to Major General Sumal Hemarathna for his commitment and dedication to the Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment and wished him a healthy, wealthy, peaceful and prosperous retired life.