ASSUMING DUTIES OF NEWLY APPOINTED CORPS COMMANDER

Major General PGPS Rathnayaka RWP RSP ndc, assumed the office as the 5th Commander of 1 Corps on 11 July 2024, amidst traditional military formalities at the Headquarters, 1 Corps at Kilinochchi.

The day’s proceedings commenced with the Guard Turnout presented by troops of 2 Commando Regiment to new Commander of 1 Corps at the main entrance of Headquarters 1 Corps. Subsequently he was warmly welcomed by the Brigadier General Staff 1 Corps, Brigadier GPP Kulatilaka ndc and accompanied to take up the salute of the Ceremonial Parade, Presented by 07 Officers and 127 Other Ranks of 53 Infantry Division, 58 Infantry Division, Air Mobile Brigade, Commando Brigade and Special Force Brigade.

Thereafter, amid religious rites and rituals, followed by the ‘Seth Pirith’, Major General PGPS Rathnayaka RWP RSP ndc assumed his new office by placing the signature symbolically on an official document at the auspicious minute.

Later, the Commander 1 Corps posed for group photograph with the General Officers Commanding, Brigade Commanders, Commanding Officers, Staff Officers and Other Ranks of Headquarters 1 Corps before planted a sapling at the Headquarters premises.

Warrant Officer I (Retd) UG Jayaweera also participated the occasion as an invitee. Since, who has been an instructor of Major General PGPS Rathnayaka RWP RSP ndc while he was doing Basic Commando Course. Further, Warrant Officer I (Retd) UG Jayaweera has discharged duties as Group Sergeant to Group Sergeant Major during the Team Commander and Officer Commanding tenure of Major General PGPS Rathnayaka RWP RSP ndc after the inauguration of 2 Commando Regiment in year 1993. These both war veterans have contributed together for the operations Sumana, Edibala, Leap Forward, Riviresa, Sathjaya and Jayasikuru.

As the day’s final showcase, Commander of 1 Corps educated his officers and other ranks in respect of duties and responsibilities lays on them during the troops address.