10th December 2021 14:30:23 Hours
A farewell ceremony for Major General W L P W PERERA RWP RSP ndu, 58th Chief of Staff of the Sri Lanka Army and 20th Colonel of the Regiment of the Gemunu Watch was held at the Regiment Centre on 04 December 2021, his retirement after completion over 35 years of service in Sri Lanka Army.
Major General Priyantha Perera was born on 07 December 1966 and he is a proud product of Isipathana Collage Colombo. He joined the Sri Lanka Army regular force on 06 June 1986 with Intake 24 and commissioned on 22 January 1987, subsequently he posted to the 5th Battalion the Gemunu Watch.
Major General Priyantha Perera has followed number of Local and foreign courses in his military career, such as: the Weapon and Young Officers Course in Pakistan as his first overseas course. To name important few leaving out many courses of short duration, he followed Counter Insurgency and Jungle Warfare Course in India, Junior Command Senior Command Courses in India and he is also a graduate of the National Defence University in China.
Major General Priyantha Perera 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. such as platoon commander and Company Commander in 5th, 7th and 8th Battalion the Gemunu Watch, 2nd in Command 9th Battalion the Gemunu Watch, 2nd in Command 1st Battalion the Gemunu Watch, Commanding Officer 5/7 GW, Commanding Officer of 7th Battalion the Gemunu Watch.
As well as he has held many important key appointments such as Officer Cadet Instructor at SLMA, Instructor at Army Training School-Maduru Oya, Adjutant of Regimental Centre the Gemunu Watch, Deputy exercise director of Exercise Cormorant Strike, Deputy exercise director of Field Training Exercise of Mali Convoy, Principle Staff Officer of the Sri Lanka Army Volunteer Force and Director of Directorate of Veterans Affair.
In Command Appointment he was commanded 5 Infantry brigades namely 631, 593, 533, 513 and 144. Further he has given his leadership to Sri Lanka Army Women’s Corps, as Colonel Commandant. Climbing further up in the command ladder, he commanded 59 Infantry Division. Forging ahead to the highest level of command at operational level, he was entrusted with the responsibility of commanding Security Force (Wanni) and Security Force (Jaffna): the most crucial security force headquarters and finally he performed duties as the 58th Chief of Staff of Sri Lanka Army as well as the 20th Colonel of the Regiment of the prestigious Gemunu Watch.
Maj Gen W L P W Perera RWP RSP ndu in honour of his bravery actions in the face of terrorists, he has been awarded with Rana Wickrama Padakkama (RWP) twice and Rana Sura Padakkama (RSP). During the Eelam war, he was severely wounded in action and in recognition of that, he has been awarded with ‘Desha Puthra Medal’.
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. and subsequently ceremonial commemoration for fallen war heroes at the monument was taken place.
Then the Chief Gust was accompanied to the Dinner at the Officer’s Mess. Major General PML Chandrasiri WWV RWP RSP ndu, Overall Security Coordinator of Army Headquarters and Director General Infantry, has delivered the customary farewell speech on behalf of all Officers of the Gemunu Watch to extend the deep sense of gratitude and appreciation of the service of Major General Priyantha Perera. During the farewell speech, Major General PML Chandrasiri WWV RWP RSP ndu, has recalled some of the salient achievements and milestones of Major General Priyantha Perera and some memories as well.
A special memento was presented to Major General Priyantha Perera by the Major General PML Chandrasiri WWV RWP RSP ndu in appreciation of dedicated services rendered to the Regiment.
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 retired life.
