07th April 2021 10:26:04 Hours
The farewell ceremony for Major General R M P J Rathnayake RWP RSP USP, Former Commander Security Force Mullaithivue, was held at the Regiment Centre on the occasion of his retirement after completion over 35 years of successful service in Sri Lanka Army.
Major General RATHNAYAKA MUDIYANSELAGE PRIYANTHA JAGATH RATHNAYAKA RWP RSP USP was born on 22 March 1966 at the General Hospital Gampola. He has enrolled to Kingswood College, Kandy for his primary and secondary education. After leaving from school, young Jagath Rathnayaka joined the Sri Lanka Army as an Officer Cadet of Sri Lanka Military Academy with Intake 24 on 02 June 1986. Upon completion of successful military training, he was commissioned as Second Lieutenant on 22 January 1987 and was posted to prestigious 4th Battalion the Gemunu Watch. Thus, he started his long military career as a junior officer of 4th Battalion the Gemunu Watch.
He performed duties in unit lines as Platoon Commander in 4th Battalion the Gemunu Watch, Company Commander in 4th and 5th Battalions the Gemunu Watch, Second in Command of 9th Battalions the Gemunu Watch and commanded the 4th Battalion the Gemunu Watch. Apart from the appointments in unit lines, he has held many Command, Staff and Instructor appointments in various levels including Staff Officer 3 (Log) at 32 Brigade, Officer Commanding of Combat Training School, Brigade Major of 553 Brigade, Chief Instructor of Gemunu Watch Training School in Diyatalawa, General Staff Officer 1 at Security Forces Headquarters (Wanni), Commander –211 and 531 Air Mobile Brigade, Commandant Language Training School, Commandant - Army Physical Training School, Panagoda, Brigadier General Staff of Security Forces Headquarters Kilinochchi and Central, Director - Directorate of Psychological Operation.
In recognition and appreciation of his great service, further elevated to the appointments of General Officer Commanding of 68 Division and finally held the appointment of Commander Security Force Mullaithivue.
He was awarded with Rana Wickrama Padakkama and Rana Sura Padakkama for his brave action in the face of the enemy and Uttama Seva Padakkama for his 35 years of unblemished military career. In addition he has been awarded with military decorations such as Deshaputhra Sammanaya, East Humanitarian Operation Medal, North Humanitarian operation medal, Purnabumi Padakkama, North and East Operation medal, Reviresa Campaign Service medal, Sri Lankan Army 50th Anniversary medal, Sri Lanka Armed Services long service medal, Sewabimani and Sewa medal.
During his illustrated military career, he has followed many overseas and local courses such as Artillery Observation Course at School of Artillery, Battalion Support Weapon Course at Infantry Training Centre, Minnareiya, Basic Marksmanship Course at Marksmanship And Snipers Training School, Diyatalawa, Basic Parachute Course at Commando Regiment Training School, also he has followed many overseas courses such as Young Officer Course in Pakistan, Officers Physical Training course in India, Junior Command and Senior Command Courses in Bangaladesh, Senior Command Programme and Army Battalion Commander Course in China, Contingent Commanders Course - Indonesia and Brigade Commander Course in China. Further, he has taken part in many seminars and workshops representing Sri Lanka Army.
Centre Commandant, Brigadier JMRNK Jayamanna RWP welcomed the Chief Guest and invited to review the Guard turnout at the entrance and accompanied to the salute of the proud, dignified Guard of honour at the parade square. 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 outgoing Highlander for his commitment and dedication to the Gemunu Watch and wished him for a healthy, wealthy, peaceful and prosperous life.
Then the Chief Gust was accompanied to the Lunch at the Officer’s Mess. Major General WGHAS Bandara RWP RSP ndu, the Chief of Staff of the Sri Lanka Army and 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 the deep sense of gratitude and appreciation of the service of Major General Jagath Rathnayake. During the farewell speech, Major General WGHAS Bandara RWP RSP ndu, has recalled some of the salient achievements and milestones of Major General Jagath Rathnayake and some memories as well.
A special memento was presented to Major General Jagath Rathnayake by the Colonel of the Regiment in appreciation of dedicated services rendered to the Regiment.
“TARRY NOT FORWARD”
