03rd March 2023 23:46:40 Hours
The farewell ceremony for Major General A C Lamahewa WWV RWP RSP Former Director General Infantry and Colonel of the Regiment the Gemunu Watch was held at the Regiment Centre on 02nd March 2023.The occasion of his retirement after completion over 35 years of successful service in Sri Lanka Army.
Major General Chaminda Lamahewa WWV RWP RSP was born on 3rd March 1968. He has enrolled to St.Thomas’ College - Guruthalawa and St. Aloysius' College Galle for his primary and secondary education. After his bright school period, young Chaminda joined the Sri Lanka Army as an Officer Cadet of Sri Lanka Military Academy with Intake 29on 22ndFebruary 1988. Upon completion of successful military training, he was commissioned as Second Lieutenant on 16th December 1989 and was posted to prestigious 5thBattalion the Gemunu Watch. Where he started his illustrious military career.
Major General Chaminda Lamahewa performed effectively, serving in almost all operational areas of the country, as a Platoon Commander, IO, Adjutant, Company Commander in 5th Battalion of the Gemunu Watch, 2ndin Command in 5th Battalion the Gemunu Watch and Commanding Officer in 7th Battalion the Gemunu Watch.
Moreover, he has held many important key appointments such as BM - 545 and 233 Infantry Brigades, SO 2 - Dte of Welfare, SO 2 - Military Hospital, Panagoda, GSO 1 - 59 Infantry Division, Col (GS) - 57 Infantry Division, Comd, 144 and 561 Infantry Brigades, Comdt, Combat Training School, Ampara, GOC, 24 Infantry Division, DGGS - OCDS and the top of the chain, he has been performing duties as the Director General Infantry, AHQ and Colonel of the Regiment the Gemunu Watch. Also, he has participated as a contingent Commander in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) from 26 June 2012 to 09 January 2013.
After the cadet period, this Senior Officer has acquired profound military knowledge by attending a number of local and foreign military courses and non-military courses including, Junior Command Course, Company Commander Refresher Course, Unit Administrative Course as military courses, and Mater of Science in Security and Strategic Studies at KDU, Diploma in Senior Level Defense Management - University of Indore, India, Diploma In Psychology & Advance Certificate in Guidance and Counseling - Psychological Studies, Colombo as non-military courses in his career.
Moreover, he has followed the Young Officers Course - India, Junior Commanders' Course - India, Senior Comd Course, India, UN Contingent Commander Course - Bangladesh and Comd and Staff Operational Law Course - Australia as overseas courses.
In recognition of honour for bravery exhibited in the face of enemy, he has been awarded with Weera Wickrama Vibhushanaya (WWV) which is the highest medal that a military person living can achieve, Rana Wickrama Padakkama (RWP) and four times with the Rana Sura Padakkama (RSP).
Besides, due to his invaluable service and contribution to the country, he has been awarded with East Humanitarian Operation Medal, North Humanitarian Operation Medal, PurnaBhumi Padakkama, North and East Operations Medal and Claps 1, Rivirasa Campaign Service Medal and Claps, 50thIndependence Anniversary Medal, Sri Lanka Army 50thAnniversary Medal, Sri Lanka Armed Services Long Service Medal, Sevabhimani Medal, Service Medal, Videsha Seva Padakkama and United Nations Medal (Lebanon).
Centre Commandant, Brigadier WBJK Wimalaratne RWP RSP welcomed the Chief Guest and invited to review the Guard turnout at the entrance, afterward a ceremonial commemoration of fallen war heroes at the monument. Subsequently, accompanied to the salute of the proud, dignified a parade at the parade square. Moreover to mark the event all rank tea party and group photograph was taken as highlights of the event.
In the evening hours, the Chief Gust was accompanied to the Dinner at the Officer’s Mess. Maj Gen E A D P Edirisingha psc , incoming 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 A C Lamahewa WWV RWP RSP. During the farewell speech, Maj Gen E A D P Edirisingha has recalled some of the salient achievements and milestones of Major General Chaminda Lamahewa and some memories as well. Moreover in this farewell speech highly esteemed his great wishes to Mrs. Ruvini Lamahewa the charming spouse of Maj Gen Chaminda Lamahewa. Furthermore, Maj Gen Prasad Edirisinghe admire her invaluable service which she contributed to the organization while holding the appointment as the president of Seva Vanitha Branch of the Gemunu Watch. Mrs. Ruvini Lamahewa was an active member of the Seva Vanitha branch of the Gemunu Watch for a long period. Her active participation for the welfare programmes and charity works which benefited the Military personal and their Families were highly appreciated by Maj Gen Prasad Edirisinghe on his speech.
A special retirement gift and a photo album were presented to Major General Chaminda Lamahewa by incoming Colonel of the Regiment in appreciation of dedicated services rendered to the Regiment.
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.
