Maj Gen K D M L Samaradiwakara RWP RSP ndu psc, the Director General Financial Management (DGFM), paid an official visit to the Directorate of the Army Benevolent Fund (ABF) at Panagoda on 26 October 2025.

Upon arrival, the DGFM was warmly welcomed by Colonel K A D C J Kodithuwakku, the Director of the Army Benevolent Fund, together with senior officers and staff. The visit commenced with a comprehensive briefing conducted by the Director ABF.

Following the briefing, Maj Gen Samaradiwakara toured the ABF premises, observing the day to day operations, welfare administration, and service facilities available to serving and retired members. During the visit, the DGFM appreciated the dedicated efforts of the ABF staff in maintaining transparency and efficiency in managing the benevolent fund.

To mark the occasion, a group photograph was taken with the visiting DGFM, the Director, and members of the ABF staff. Subsequently, the DGFM signed the Visitors’ Book, leaving his remarks of appreciation for the Directorate’s commendable service.

The visit concluded with the present tokens of appreciation, symbolizing the continued cooperation and goodwill between the Financial Management Branch and the Army Benevolent Fund.

Colonel K A D C J Kodithuwakku of the Sri Lanka Army General Service Corps officially assumed duties as the 15th Director of the Directorate of the Army Benevolent Fund on Wednesday, 08 October 2025, at the Army Cantonment, Panagoda.

The occasion was marked by a simple ceremony that began with religious observances, after which the newly appointed Director placed his signature on the official document, symbolizing the formal acceptance of his new responsibilities.

Staff Officers and Other Ranks of the Directorate of the Army Benevolent Fund attended the event, signifying the official commencement of Colonel K A D C J Kodithuwakku’s tenure as Director of the Army Benevolent Fund.

The Directorate of Army Benevolent Fund (ABF) conducted an awareness programme at Security Forces Headquarters (East) on 15 August 2025, with the participation of Officers and Other Ranks serving within the SFHQ (E) Area of Responsibility.

The session was conducted by Brigadier T G N De Silva, Director ABF, who elaborated on the role of the Fund in uplifting the welfare and financial security of Army personnel. Director highlighted the benefits available to members, the procedures for accessing assistance, and the responsibility of individuals to maintain accurate documentation for the smooth processing.

The programme further provided a platform for participants to directly interact with the Director, raise concerns, and clarify matters related to membership procedures and the ABF payment structure. This interactive approach enhanced their understanding of the Fund’s operations and the advantages extended to its members.

The awareness programme at SFHQ (East) received positive feedback from participants and reaffirmed the Directorate’s commitment to extend its services effectively across all Army formations.

The Directorate of the Army Benevolent Fund (ABF), under the guidance of its Director, successfully conducted a comprehensive Staff Training Day on 31 July 2025 at the Regimental Headquarters, Sri Lanka Army General Service Corps (RHQ SLAGSC).

The day commenced with a Physical Training (PT) session, aimed at enhancing physical fitness and discipline among participants. This was followed by a series of insightful lectures designed to strengthen both the personal and professional well-being of military personnel.

A highlight of the programme was a lecture delivered by Ms. Ama Dissanayake, a renowned visiting lecturer, on “How to Manage a Good Family Life as a Military Member.” Her session emphasized the importance of balancing military duties with family responsibilities and provided practical advice on nurturing healthy family relationships.

Subsequently, the Director of ABF conducted an engaging session on mental well-being, focusing on the value of positive thinking, emotional resilience, and behavioral awareness. His address highlighted how cultivating a positive mindset contributes to individual effectiveness and collective success within military environments.

Director ABF, Senior Officers, Officers, and Other Ranks of the ABF took part in the event, showing their strong support for improving leadership, personal growth, and teamwork within the Sri Lanka Army.

To enhance awareness and understanding of the Directorate of Army Benevolent Fund, the Director of ABF, Colonel T G N De Silva, recently visited SF HQ (W), 1 Corps, and SF HQ (J). These visits were aimed at making awareness of Officers and Other Ranks about the services and welfare initiatives provided through the Dte of ABF.

During these sessions, Colonel T G N De Silva delivered detailed lectures focused on the benefits available to ABF members, the procedures for accessing those benefits, and the structure of the ABF payment system. He also addressed key administrative matters related to membership management, common reasons for application rejections, and the importance of maintaining accurate documentation to ensure smooth processing.

The Director emphasized the ABF’s commitment to transparent and efficient service delivery, encouraging members to make full use of the Fund's facilities. His open and engaging approach provided a valuable platform for soldiers to raise questions, clarify concerns, and deepen their understanding of how the Dte of ABF supports their welfare and long-term financial security.

The initiative was well-received by personnel at all levels, reflecting the Directorate’s continued efforts to bring services closer to the troops while maintaining a high standard of accountability and excellence. ABF planned to continue these awareness programs across all Army formations to ensure comprehensive member engagement.

Col T G N De Silva, of the Sri Lanka Army General Service Corps, assumed office on Wednesday, 01 January 2025, as the 14th Director of the Directorate of Army Benevolent Fund at the Army Cantonment, Panagoda. The assumption of office was marked by a brief ceremony.

Following religious observances, the newly appointed Director signed an official document, formally accepting his new position. The ceremony was attended by staff officers and other ranks from the Directorate, marking the official commencement of the Senior Officer's tenure in his new role.

The Director General, Financial Management (DGFM) and Colonel Commandant of Sri Lanka Army General Service Corps, Major General A M K G P S K Abeysinghe made his maiden visit to the Directorate of Army Benevolent Fund at Panagoda on Tuesday (19 Nov) upon assumption of his office.

Brigadier D Udaya Kumar USP, Director ABF received DGFM on his arrival at the Directorate. The day’s programme started with a briefing and presentation highlighting the account details and process of this directorate. During the presentation, DGFM discussed matters pertaining to development of Dte of ABF and administration aspects with officers present at the venue. In the camp visit, DGFM addressed the staff in the office area and constantly emphasized the importance of working proactively.

Later, a mango sapling was planted by DGFM in the camp premises to mark his visit to the location and signing the Visitors’ Book. Col (FM) FM Br, CEO Dte of ABF and all officers in the Dte of ABF were present during the visit.

The Directorate of Army Benevolent Fund (Dte of ABF) inaugurated its newly built three-story record room during a brief ceremony held on 26 March 2024 at the Dte of ABF in Panagoda.

Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage RWP RSP ndu, the Commander of the Army graced the occasion as the chief guest and received a warm welcome by Brigadier P.R. Samaraweera, Director, Dte of ABF. Soon after, the day’s chief guest inaugurated the new facility by unveiling the special plaque and cutting a ribbon. The attendees then inspected the new three-story building, which will serve as a space for storing important documents and records of the Directorate.

The Directorate has long faced the challenge of efficiently managing and safeguarding vital information crucial to its operations. This challenge has now been met with the establishment of a new facility designed specifically to address this need. The Corps of Engineer Services provided much-needed workforce assistance, ensuring the timely completion of this endeavour.

Adding memories to the day, the Commander of the Army posed for a group photograph and planted a sandalwood sapling in the premises.

Major General S.P.A.I.M.B. Samarakoon Hdmc Lsc, the Deputy Chief of Staff, Major General S.W.M. Fernando WWV RWP RSP VSV USP ndc psc, the Commander, Security Forces - West, Principal Staff Officers, Senior Officers, Officers and Other Ranks were also present at the event.

The Director General Financial Management and Col Comdt of the Corps of Engineer Services Major General A H L G Amarapala RWP RSP ndc psc made his official visit to the Directorate of Army Benevolent Fund, on 26 October 2023. He was warmly welcomed by the Director Brigadier P R Samaraweera and the Staff of the Directorate of Army Benevolent Fund.

After that the DABF conducted a briefing to DGFM regarding history , role and task of Dte of ABF.

As a custom, the DGFM penned a note on the Visitors’ Book and at the end, a memento was presented by the Directorate of Army Benevolent Fund.