FAREWELL CEREMONY FOR MAJOR GENERAL A A KODDIPPILY RWP RSP ndc

A farewell ceremony for Major General AA Koddippily RWP RSP ndc was held at the Regiment Centre on the occasion of his retirement after completion of over 34 years of successful service in Sri Lanka Army.The traditional event unfolded on 01 November 2019 at Regimental Centre, Kuruwita with the participation of a large number of Senior Officers, Officers and Other Ranks.

Major General AA Koddippily RWP RSP ndc was born on 02 November 1964 and completed his primary education from UVA College Badulla and furthered his studies from St. Thomas College, Bandarawela. Major General Athula Koddippily joined the Sri Lanka Army as an Officer Cadet on 14 June 1985 to the Intake SSC 05 to SLMA. After successful completion of the basic military training at Sri Lanka Military Acadamy, he was commissioned in the rank of Second Lieutenant on 09 Feb 1986 and posted to 1st Battalion the Gemunu Watch. Subsequently, he was posted to 4 GW and 6 GW. He has held many command appointments in unit line such as Platoon Commander, Company Commander and Second in Command. He has Commanded the prestigious both 6 GW and 6/8 GW during the very high intensity era of the war against LTTE.

During his tour of duty, he has followed many local and overseas courses and the few of those are, Young Officers’ Course – India, Officers’ PTI Course - India, Junior Command Course – India, Potential Observer Course – Bangladesh, Unit Command Course - Pakistan, UNPKO Course Kukulegaga, Sri Lanka, 8th ICRC Seminar in China, Attended the "Sri Lanka National Football Team Training Camp in Kushima, Japan and Korea), Attended in UN Train the Trainer Course in Hawaii.

Further, Major General Athula Koddippily has immensely contributed to the Army with his proficiency in both Command and Staff aspects. He had proved himself as an icon of excellence by holding some of the key Command, Staff and Instructional appointments in his military career are Platoon Commander – 1 GW, Platoon Commander - 4 GW, Company Commander – 6 GW, OC, Trg Gp Wing – CTS, 2nd in Command 6 GW, Commanding Offr - 6 GW and 6/8 GW, General Staff Offr 1– Directorate of Psychological Operations - AHQ, Staff Officer 1- 211 Bde, General Staff Officer 1 (Coord) – SF(J), Commander – 512 Bde, Commander – 533 Bde, Contingent Commander of 8th UNPK Bn in Haiti- 2008, Commander – SF Bde, Deputy GOC – 53 Div, Commander – Task Force 4, GOC – 64 Div, Security Coordinator- HQ Log Comd , Commander – 224 Bde, Commander – 542 Bde, GOC – 23 Div, GOC – 62 Div, Comdt – ATS Maduruoya, GOC – 53 Div and Adjutant General - AHQ.

Maj Gen A A Kodippilly RWP RSP ndc has obtained 3 Msc and Further, he is a graduate of National Defence College Philippines and obtained a MSc in National Security Administration. The other academic qualifications are:

(1) Master in Psychology Art in University of Kelaniya

(2) Higher Diploma in Hospitality Management from Aquinas University

(3) Master in Sports Administration and Management – University of Colombo

Maj Gen Kodippilly is a one of the few leading Soccer Players in the Gemunu Watch and a Regimental Colour recipient of the same. He has taken a keen interest and pain to uplift the standard of the GW Football Team, and the Army foot ball as well. He was an executive member of Sri Lanka National Football Team and held the appointments of Chairman, National Football Team and the Chairman, Army Football.

Centre Commandant, Brigadier AADNSP Dunuwila RWP RSP USP welcomed the Chief Gust and invited to review the Guard turnout at the entrance and accompanied to the salute of the proud, dignified military parade. Then, the ceremonial commemoration for fallen war heroes at the monument was taken place. An all Ranks Tea was organized at the pool site of the Gemunu Watch and all Officers and Other Ranks of the Gemunu Watch 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.

Then the Chief Gust was accompanied to the dinner at the Officer’s Mess. Major General T S Bangsajayah RWP RSP VSV USP ndu, Director General Training- AHQ and Col of the Regt GW delivered the customary farewell speech on behalf of all Officers of the Gemunu Watch to show deep sense of gratitude and appreciation of the service of Major General Athula Kodippilly. A special memento was presented to Major General Athula Koddippily by Colonel of the Regiment, in appreciating of dedicated and committed services rendered to the Regiment.