19th May 2022 15:34:28 Hours
The farewell ceremony for Major General S N Samarawickrama KSP, Former deputy commandant of the Sri Lanka army volunteer force was held at the Regiment Centre on 11th May 2022.The occasion of his retirement after completion over 37 years of successful service in Sri Lanka Army.
Major General S N Samarawickrama KSP was born on 12th May 1965. He has enrolled to Saripuththa Maha Vidyalaya and Dewapathiraja Maha Vidyalaya in Galle for his primary and secondary education. After his bright school period, young Nihal joined the Sri Lanka Army as an Officer Cadet of Sri Lanka Military Academy with Volunteer Intake 06 on 26th January 1987. Upon completion of successful military training, he was commissioned as Second Lieutenant on 27th May 1987 and was posted to prestigious 3rd Volunteer Battalion the Gemunu Watch.
During his illustrious military career he rendered his his service in various command, Instructor, and staff appointments. It should say, in every endeavor, there were two things visible significantly: work stimulated by a keen sense of duty and a humane approach to treating others.
Being an accomplished Infantryman, Major General Nihal Samarawickrama performed effectively, serving in almost all operational areas of the country, as a platoon commander, Company Commander, in the 3rdVolunter Battalion of the Gemunu Watch and 6th and 19th Battalion of the Sri Lanka National Guard, 2nd in Command in 3rdVolunteer Battalion of the Gemunu Watch and 19th Battalion of the Sri Lanka National Guard. Commanding Officer in 14th Volunteer Battalion of the Gemunu Watch.
As well as he has held many important key appointments such as Overlooking Brigade Commander in 511 Infantry Brigade, Overlook Colonel Coordinator Security Force Headquarters Wanni, General Staff Officer 1 Volunteer Force Headquarters, Liaison Officer of Regimental Centre the Gemunu Watch, Colonel Coordinating Officer 22 Division, 65 Division11 Division and 58 Division, Brigadier Coordinating Officer Security Force Headquarters Mulaithievu, Inspector Of Training Volunteer Force Headquarters.
Further, and on the top of the chain, he has been performing duties as the 30thDeputy Commandant of Sri Lanka Army Volunteer Force up to now. All these high-profile appointments were bestowed on him in acknowledgment and appreciation of his devotion and commitment to the well-being of the organization and exhibited wisdom.
Major General Nihal Samarawickrama honed his knowledge and experience through all his endeavors but did exceptionally well in attended local and foreign courses of academic and professional value.
After the cadet period, this Senior Officer has acquired profound military knowledge by attending a number of local and foreign military courses including, the Platoon Commander course, Unit Admin Officer course Panagoda, Command and Staff Refresher course- Combat Training School Ampara, Second In Command course Combat Training School Ampara, Counseling course- Headquarters Sri Lanka Army Volunteer Force, CO’s Refresher course SFHQ Jaffna. Commanding Officer course in Bangladesh as his overseas course.
Major General Nihal Samarawickrama 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 make it a results-oriented, professional, and disciplined outfit. It should be stressed that the welfare of men serving under him was one of his key concerns throughout his tenure.
He has been awarded with North Humantarian Padakkama, East Humanitarian Padakkama, Poornabumi Padakkama, North and East Sangramika Padakkama, Rivirasa Campaign Padakkama, 50th Independence Day Pdakkama, Sri Lanka Army 50th anniversary pdakkama, Vadamarachchi Padakkama, Deerga sewa Padakkama, Service Padakkama, Sewabhimani Padakkama. And also awarded Karyakshama Sewa Padakkama on his unblemished character.
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 , 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 S N Samarawickrama KSP. During the farewell speech, Major General AC Lamahewa, has recalled some of the salient achievements and milestones of Major General Nihal Samarawickrama and some memories as well.
A special memento was presented to Major General Nihal Samarawickrama by Colonel of the Regiment in appreciation of dedicated services rendered to the Regiment.
