Army Chief Commends Retiring Senior Officer’s Notable Service

Major General P.K.S Nandana RSP USP psc, Director General, Directorate of Training, Army Headquarters, marked his retirement after an illustrious career spanning 33 years. In recognition of his dedicated service, the Senior Officer, was invited to the Office of the Commander of the Army, Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage RWP RSP ndu, on 30 April 2024.

During the meeting, Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage RWP RSP ndu, praised Major General P.K.S Nandana RSP USP psc for his unwavering commitment and exceptional performance across various demanding roles, particularly emphasising his invaluable contributions during the battle against terrorism and his continued dedication in the post-war era, notably as an Infantry Officer.

In response, the retiring Senior Officer expressed heartfelt gratitude for the invaluable guidance and unwavering support extended by the Army Chief throughout his service. The Commander of the Army also presented a special memento, as a token of appreciation and commendation for the retiring Senior Officer's exemplary service and contributions to the organisation.

Here is a brief profile of the retiring Senior Officer:

Major General P.K.S Nandana RSP USP psc enlisted in the Regular Force of the Sri Lanka Army as an Officer Cadet to Intake, KDA - 08 on 12 November 1990. Upon successful completion of military training at General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University - Ratmalana and Sri Lanka Military Academy - Diyatalawa, he was commissioned in the rank of Second Lieutenant and posted to the Gemunu Watch on 14 November 1992. After being steadily elevated to subsequent ranks in the course of the span of service in the Army, he was promoted to the rank of Major General on 16 February 2024. The Senior Officer retired from the Regular Force of the Sri Lanka Army with effect from 03 May 2024 upon reaching 55 years of age.

He held various appointments during his career such as Platoon Commander and Officer Commanding, 7th Battalion the Gemunu Watch, General Staff Officer 3 (Operations), Headquarters, 541 Infantry Brigade, General Staff Officer 3 (Operations), Headquarters 53 Infantry Division, Officer Commanding and Directing Staff of Sri Lanka Military Academy, Military Observer, United Nations Mission in the Sudan (UNMIS), General Staff Officer 1 (Coordinating), Directorate of Operations, Army Headquarters, Commanding Officer, 6th Battalion the Gemunu Watch, Staff Officer 1 (Grievances Handling), Military Secretary’s Branch, Army Headquarters, Staff Officer 1 (Investigations), Military Secretary’s Branch, Army Headquarters, Senior Instructor, Defence Studies Department, Officer Career Development Centre, Deputy Centre Commandant, Regimental Centre the Gemunu Watch, Colonel (General Staff), Security Force Headquarters (Central), Colonel (Military Secretary), Military Secretary’s Branch, Army Headquarters, Assistant Military Secretary 3, Military Secretary’s Branch, Army Headquarters, Commander, 533 Infantry Brigade, Deputy Military Liaison Officer (MLO), Ministry of Defence, Assistant Military Secretary, Military Secretary’s Branch, Army Headquarters, Director, Directorate of Training, Army Headquarters and Director General, Directorate of Training, Army Headquarters.

For his bravery and gallantry on the battlefield, he has been awarded Rana Sura Padakkama.

He has followed numerous local and foreign courses during his military career, including Basic Intelligence Officers Course, Basic Parachute Course and Army Command and Staff Course, Young Officers’ Course - India, Junior Command Course - India, Platoon Weapons Officers Course - India, United Nations Civil-Military Coordination Officers’ Course - Nepal and Humanitarian Relief Operations in Disasters Course - Turkey.

The Senior Officer also pursued several higher educational and non-military courses, such as Bachelor of Arts (Defence Studies) at General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, Diploma in Diplomacy and International Relations at Bandaranaike International Diplomatic Training Institute and Certificate in Teaching in Higher Education Programme at General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University.

(Copyright, Sri Lanka Army Defender of the Nation)