14th January 2023 12:45:28 Hours
The farewell ceremony for Brigadier D P J C Jayawardene USP was held at the Regiment Centre on 10 January 2023.The occasion of his retirement after completing over 31 years of successful service in the Sri Lanka Army.
Brigadier D P J C Jayawardene USP was born on 11th January 1969. He enrolled in Seevali Central College in Rathnapura for primary, secondary, and higher education. After his bright school period, young Janak joined the Sri Lanka Army Regular Force as an Officer Cadet with Intake PMA 03 on 29 April 1991. Upon completing successful military training, he was commissioned as Second Lieutenant on 14th April 1992 and was posted to the prestigious 4th Battalion Gemunu Watch.
During his illustrious military career, he rendered his service in various Command and staff appointments. And he performed effectively, serving in almost all operational areas of the country as a platoon commander, Company Commander, and Second in command. Also, he was the Commanding Officer in the 25th Battalion of the Gemunu Watch.
As well as he has held many important key appointments such as BM - 561 Infantry Brigade, GSO III- Area HQ. Diyathalawa, GSO II - HQ Log Comd, BM - Sub Area HQ. Rathnapura, GSO I (Coord) - 58 Infantry Division, SO I - DG Sports. AHQ. GSO I (Ops) – SF HQ. Mulathivu, Col (GS) - 21 Infantry Division and the top of the chain, has been performing duties as the Commander 641 Infantry Brigade. Also, he participated as a Company Commander in the 10th SRIBAT in Haiti from 16 June 2008 to 01 January 2009.
Moreover, Brigadier Janak Jayawardene honed his knowledge and experience through all his endeavors but did exceptionally well in attending local and foreign courses of academic and professional value.
After the cadet period, this Senior Officer has acquired profound military knowledge by attending several local and foreign military courses and workshops, including Platoon Commander Course and Unit Intelligence Officers Course. Motor Transport Officers Course, Counseling workshop, Junior Commanders' Course in India, Disarmament Demobilization and Reintegration Course Bangladesh, and Rules of Engagement Programme - Italy as his overseas courses.
Brigadier Janak Jayawardene is a professional Military Officer who boldly contributed to the country's national security. He served the country and the Army with utmost dedication and commitment and initiated many actions to uplift its standard and make it a results-oriented, professional, and disciplined outfit.
He has been awarded Desha Putra Sammanaya, East Humanitarian Operation Medal, North Humanitarian Operation Medal, Purna Bhumi Padakkama, North and East Operations Medal, Rivirasa Campaign Service Medal, 50th Independence Anniversary Medal, Sri Lanka Army 50 anniversary Medal, Sri Lanka Armed Services Long Service Medal, Sevabhimani Medal Service Medal, Videsha Seva Padakkama and United Nations Medal (MINUSTAH). He was also awarded Uththama Sewa Padakkama for his unblemished character.
Deputy Centre Commandant, Colonel WGIS Gamage USP welcomed the Chief Guest and invited him to review the Guard turnout at the entrance and accompanied to the salute of the proud, dignified parade at the parade square . Subsequently, the ceremonial commemoration for fallen war heroes at the monument took place. All Officers and Other Ranks of the Regimental Centre extended their heartfelt gratitude to the outgoing Highlander for his commitment and dedication to the Gemunu Watch. They wished him a healthy, wealthy, peaceful, and prosperous life.
Later, Chief Gust was accompanied to the Dinner at the Officer's Mess. Maj Gen AC Lamahewa WWV RWP RSP, Colonel of the Regiment of the Gemunu Watch, has delivered the customary farewell speech on behalf of all Officers of the Gemunu Watch to extend a deep sense of gratitude and appreciation for the service of Brigadier D P J C Jayawardene USP. During the farewell speech, Major General AC Lamahewa has recalled some of the salient achievements and milestones of Brigadier Janak Jayawardene and some memories.
A special memento was presented to Brigadier D P J C Jayawardene USP by the Colonel of the Regiment to appreciate the dedicated services he rendered to The Gemunu Watch.
