23rd December 2022 11:09:14 Hours
The Commander 1 Corps and the Colonel of the Regiment of Commando Regiment Major General A K G K U Gnanaratne ndc psc is due to retire from active service on 19 December 2022 and the traditional and honored farewell was organized on 18 December 2022 at the Commando Regimental Centre. The retiring Colonel of the Regiment was accorded a ceremonial guard turnout followed by a Guard of honour salute at the regimental parade square. The serving Commando Senior Officers accompanied the retiring major general to floral tribute for valiant fallen commandos at the Commando Regimental War Memorial.
Thereafter, he posed for a group photograph with all officers in front of Commando Regimental Officers Mess and then addressed all the Commandos as his last military troop address who presented the occasion.
In his farewell speech, he reminded Commando history and his military appointments and experiences in the field during the humanitarian operation. Further, he stressed the importance of being a commando to the organization as well as to the nation in both conflict and non-conflict nature. At last, he acknowledged all the commando members who supported the success of his 35 years of a military career.
On 19 December 2022, all the staff of the Commando Regimental Centre was honored with an extended line to the outgoing major general. The Guest Night at Officers Mess for Major General Crishantha Gnanaratne was held on 19 December 2022 with the presence of commando officers. During his farewell speech, he recalled all the support from the Commando family to his ultimatum in the military.
Major General P G P S Rathnayaka RWP RSP ndc GOC 53 infantry Division, Brigadier V M N Hettiarachchi RWP RSP the Commander Commando Brigade, Brigadier B M S K K Dharmawardena RWP RSP USP the Centre Commandant Commando Regiment along with all council members, senior officers and other officers presented during the event with considerable numbers of Commandos
