FAREWELL CEREMONY FOR MAJOR GENERAL P M L CHANDRASIRI WWV RWP RSP ndu ACCORDED MILITARY SALUTE

The farewell ceremony for Major General P M L Chandrasiri WWV RWP RSP ndu, Former Commander - Security forces East , and Colonel of the Regiment of the Gemunu Watch was held at the Regiment Centre on 07th May 2022.The occasion of his retirement after completion over 35 years of successful service in Sri Lanka Army.

Major General P M L Chandrasiri WWV RWP RSP ndu was born on 9th May 1967. He has enrolled to Thurston College Colombo for his primary and secondary education. After his bright school period, young Lal joined the Sri Lanka Army as an Officer Cadet of Sri Lanka Military Academy with Intake 28 on 20th July 1987. Upon completion of successful military training, he was commissioned as Second Lieutenant on 23rd June 1989 and was posted to prestigious 4th Battalion the Gemunu Watch. Where he started his illustrated military career of 4th Battalion the Gemunu Watch.

He rendered his service in various command, Instructor and staff appointments. Being an accomplished Infantryman, this great worrier performed effectively, serving in almost all operational areas of the country, as a Platoon Commander, Adjutant and the Officer Commanding of 4th Battalion - The Gemunu Watch. When it scrolls through the operations that, 5th Battalion the Gemunu Watch was carried out under his command as the Operations and Training Officer at Muhamale there were so many achievements lined up.

He was also able to lead men at many vital battles as the 2nd in Command of the 9th Battalion - The Gemunu Watch during the period of most crucial era prior to the Humanitarian Operation. In the meantime, having identified his bravery leadership and capacity, present Secretary of Defence General Kamal Gunarathne (Rtd) WWV RWP RSP USP ndc psc Mphil assigned him to command 9th Battalion the Gemunu Watch as the most junior and well experienced Commanding Officer, in order to continue the humanitarian operation from Manner under the command of 58 Infantry Division, commanded by the present Chief of Defense Staff and the Commander of the Army General Shavendra Silva WWV RWP RSP VSV USP ndc psc Mphil.

From the beginning of humanitarian operation, he commanded his battalion until achieving final goal. Thus, the 9th Battalion made the longest journey during this operation and covered over 200 kilometers until achieving its final victory and captured the single largest land mass ever captured by any formation, including the largest quantity of LTTE military hardware, weaponry and other equipment. and he was able to acquire highest number of sniper targets during the humanitarian operation.

His Battalion conducted the most vital part of the humanitarian operation by defeating LTTE terrorists at Sinnaparanthan. It was facilitated military forces to advance over Elephant pass by capturing the most vital land mass Paranthan. As well as, he was the one and only Commanding Officer who commanded a battalion from the beginning until the culmination of humanitarian operation and he had never left his subordinates behind the enemy line but always led them at front instead.

At the end of the humanitarian operation, the 9th Battalion of the Gemunu Watch conducted the largest ever hostage rescue mission at Nandikadal with the assistance of Special Forces and Commando Troops by liberating large number of civilians from the cruel clutches of the terrorists. Hence, it should be highlighted that, without his battalion none of the forces would not have conducted the particular mission successfully. Moreover For tribute to this great worrier a news article that was published in the Sunday Observer , reported on a ceremony held to felicitate their brave men who were in the forefront of the 4th Eelam War , under the title of “Thurstanites Honoued for Gallantry”.

During his military career, he has held many important key appointments such as Commander 632 and 653 Infantry Brigade, 2nd in Command 13th SRIBAT – Haiti, Colonel Military Secretary of Headquarters Sri Lanka Army Volunteer Force, Commander Air Mobile Brigade, Commandant of Marksmanship and Sniper Training School, Brigadier General Staff of Security Force Headquarters Kilinochchi, Director - Directorate of Sports, Overall Security Coordinator of Army Headquarters and Director General - Directorate of Infantry.

Forging ahead to the highest level of command at operational level, he was entrusted with the responsibility as commander of the most crucial Security Force of Security Force (East). There is one denomination in everywhere he commanded, that he always earned admiration, esteem and affection from all subordinates, peers and seniors alike. Further, and on the top of the chain, he has been performing duties as the 21st Colonel of the Regiment of the prestigious Gemunu Watch to date. All these high-profile appointments were bestowed on him in acknowledgement and appreciation of his devotion and commitment to the well-being of the organization.

During his tenure as Colonel of the Regiment appointment, he was keen to accomplish number of mega projects that were initiated by former Colonels of the Regiment to elevate the living standards of soldiers. Unless his engagement and continuous guidance had been there, the regiment wouldn’t have been able to bring off the Regiment Officers’ Mess complex up to this juncture.

Major General Lal Chandrasiri has also enhanced his knowledge and experience through all his endeavors and did exceptionally well by attending local and foreign courses of academic and professional values.

His secondary military education commenced with following the Basic Marksmanship Course at the Marksmanship and Sniper Training School, Diyatalawa. In addition, he also followed a few other important courses of short duration, such as Basic Parachute Course, Unit Administration and Accounts Course, Young Officers’ Course, Junior Command Course, Senior Command Course, Defence Management Course in India. Over and above, he has also followed the Master’s Degree in National Security & War Studies in the National Defence University - Pakistan.

Being a Champion Shooter and a Couch, Major General Lal Chandrasiri has been decorated with Sri Lanka National emblem on his chest by representing Sri Lanka as the Team Manager, Couch and Shooter at First International Practical Shooting Confederation Practical Rifle World Championship held at Moscow Russia in year by exhibiting his talents and professionalism in the domain of Sports Shooting.

Major General Lal Chandrasiri is a very competent and professional Military Officer who boldly contributed to the national security of the country. He served the country and the Army with utmost dedication and commitment and initiated many actions to uplift its standards and to make it a results- oriented, professional and disciplined outfit. It should be stressed that welfare of men serving under him was one of his key concerns throughout his tenure.

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) trice and Rana Sura Padakkama (RSP) trice.

Centre Commandant, Brigadier WBJK Wimalaratne RWP RSP 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. Maj Gen AC Lamahewa WWV RWP RSP , incomimg 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 P M L Chandrasiri WWV RWP RSP ndu. During the farewell speech, Major General AC Lamahewa, has recalled some of the salient achievements and milestones of Major General Lal Chandrasiri and some memories as well.

A special memento was presented to Major General Lal Chandrasiri by incoming Colonel of the Regiment in appreciation of dedicated services rendered to the Regiment.