21st July 2021 13:35:21 Hours
A farewell ceremony for Major General WGHAS BANDARA RWP RSP ndu, 57th Chief of Staff of the Sri Lanka Army and Colonel of the Regiment of Gemunu Watch was held at the Regiment Centre on 16 July 2021, his retirement after completion over 35 years of service in Sri Lanka Army.
Major General Senarath Bandara was born on 17 July 1966 and he is a proud product of the Vidyartha College Kandy. He joined the Sri Lanka Army on 17 January 1986 with Intake SSC 10 and commissioned on 10th December 1986, subsequently he posted to the 4th Battalion the Gemunu Watch.
Major General Senarath Bandara has followed number of Local and foreign courses in his military career, such as: Young Officer Course -India, Red Arrow Missile Course in China, Senior Command Course in India and he graduated from National Defence University in Pakistan.
Major General Senarath Bandara had immensely contributed to the Army with his proficiency and he had proved himself as an icon of excellence by holding many Command, Staff and Instructional appointments in his military career. Some of those are Platoon Commander, Company Commander and Second in Command in 4th Battalion the Gemunu Watch, Second in Command 1/9 GW, Second in Command 4/12 GW, Commanding Officer 5/7 GW, Commanding Officer of 5th Battalion the Gemunu Watch, Commanding Officer Infantry Training Centre and Colonel General Staff of 57 Infantry Division, Commander 572 Infantry Brigade and111 Infantry Brigade and he was the first Director of Independent Directorate of the Army Headquarters, General Officer Commanding 61 Infantry Division, General Officer Commanding 54 Infantry Division and General Officer Commanding 11 Infantry Division, Commander of Security Force (East), Security Force (Jaffna) and finally he performed duties as the 57th Chief of Staff of Sri Lanka Army as well as the 18th Colonel of the Regiment of the prestigious Gemunu Watch.
Maj Gen WGHAS Bandara RWP RSP ndu in honour of his bravery actions in the face of terrorists, he has been awarded with Rana Wickrama Padakkama (RWP) thrice and Rana Sura Padakkama (RSP) twice. During the Eelam war, he was severely wounded in action in three occasions where he willingly stepped in to the battle front even prior to recuperate completely. In recognition of that, he has been awarded with ‘Desha Puthra Medal’ thrice.
According to the military traditions and customs the Centre Commandant of Gemunu Watch Brigadier JMRNK Jayamanna RWP welcomed the Chief Guest and invited to review the Guard turnout at the main entrance and accompanied to the salute of the proud, dignified military guard of honour. Then, the ceremonial commemoration for fallen war heroes at the monument was taken place.
All Officers and Other Ranks of the Regiment Centre extended their heartfelt gratitude to distinguished outgoing Highlander for his commitment and dedication to the Gemunu Watch and wished him for a healthy, wealthy, peaceful and prosperous life.
According to the military proceedings the chief gust was welcomed to the dinner at the Officers’ Mess by Major General SS Waduge RWP RSP USP ndu psc, Commander of ARTRAC.
To recognise his military leadership and unparalleled contribution to the Army, a special memento was presented to the outgoing Chief of Staff and Colonel of the Regiment, by newly appointed Colonel of the Regiment, Major General SS Waduge RWP RSP USP ndu psc.
Due to present Corona Pandemic situation this event was held under strict Covid-19 health guideline.
"Tarry Not Forward"
