FAREWELL CEREMONY FOR MAJOR GENERAL A P I FERNANDO RWP USP ACCORDED MILITARY SALUTE

The farewell ceremony for Major General A P I Fernando RWP USP, Former Director General General Staff (DGGS), and Colonel of the Regiment of the Mechanized Infantry was held at the Regiment Centre on 08th December 2021.The occasion of his retirement after completion over 35 years of successful service in Sri Lanka Army.

Major General Priyanka Fernando RWP USP was born on 9th December 1966. He has enrolled to DS Senanayaka College Colombo for his primary and secondary education. After his bright school period, young Priyanka Fernando joined the Sri Lanka Army as an Officer Cadet of Sri Lanka Military Academy with Intake 26 on 27th October 1986. Upon completion of successful military training, he was commissioned as Second Lieutenant on 23rd July 1987 and was posted to prestigious 5th Battalion the Gemunu Watch. Where he started his illustrated military career of 4th Battalion the Gemunu Watch.

He performed duties in unit lines as platoon commander in 4th Battalion the Gamunu watch, Company commander in 5th and 7th battalions, Second in Command of 5th and 7th Battalions. He commanded 11th battalion Gamunu Watch during the decisive stages of the humanitarian operation against LTTE. Apart from the appointments, in Unit lines, he held many command and staff appointments such as Staff Officer 1 – Regimental Centre the Gemunu Watch, General Staff Officer 1(Operation) - 22 Division, Brigade Commander- 651 Brigade, 511 Brigade and 221 Brigade. Commandant of Ranaviru Sewana and Ranaviru Resource Center.

In recognition and Appreciations of his great service, Major General Priyanka Fernando was further elevated to the appointments of Director of Real Estate and Quartering, General Officer Commanding of 58 Infantry Division and finally held the appointment of Colonel of the Regiment of Mechanized Infantry Regiment and he is also the Director General General Staff of the Sri Lanka Army.

Major General Priyanka Fernando possesses a clean and an unblemished record of conduct in the Army. He has actively taken part in operations against LTTE is adorned with gallantry and service decorations such as Uttama seva padakkama for his 35 years of unblemished military career. In addition, he has been awarded with military decorations such as Desha puthra padakkama , Rana Wikkrama Padakkama , North Humanitarian Operation medal, East Humanitarian operations medal, North and east operational medal, Rivirasa campaign service medal, purna bhumi medal, 50th Independence anniversary medal, Sri Lanka Army 50th Anniversary medal, Sri Lanka Armed services Long service medal, Sevabhimani medal and Seva medal for his glorious military service in various capacities.

During his illustrated military career, he has followed many overseas and local courses such as Officers Basic Intelligence and security Course- Colombo, Young Officers’ Course - Pakistan, Junior Command and Staff Course - Bangladesh, Senior command Course- India, Higher Defence Orientation Course –India, Brigade Commander Program-China, Military Tactical Warfare Simulation Exercise-Bangladesh, Noles 13 Seminar – Mongolia, Strategic Command Post Exercise ‘WEST’- Russia. 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 and subsequently 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.

Thereafter, the Chief Gust was accompanied to the Dinner at the Officer’s Mess. Major General Maj Gen PML Chandrasiri WWV RWP RSP ndu 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 Priyanka Fernando. During the farewell speech, Major General PML Chandrasiri WWV RWP RSP ndu, has recalled some of the salient achievements and milestones of Major General Priyanka Fernando and some memories as well.

A special memento was presented to Major General Priyanka Fernando by the Colonel of the Regiment in appreciation of dedicated services rendered to the Regiment.