THE GRATE HIGHLANDER ASSUMED DUTIES AS 52ND CHIEF OF STAFF OF SRI LANKA ARMY

The Colonel of the Regiment, Major General WBDP Fernando RWP RSP USP psc assumed duties as the 52nd Chief of Staff (COS) of the Sri Lanka Army on 29 March 2018, succeeding Major General Amal Karunasekara who was retired from the service a few days ago.

The name of this Highlander is undoubtedly a shining star in Gemunu Watch history. Spectrum of victory out of his achievements in his proud career, he was serving as the Deputy Chief of Staff at the Army Headquarters before he was appointed as the Chief of Staff. He is the 7th Chief of Staff, produced by the Gemunu Watch.

After his arrival at the COS office, a brief religious ceremony was arrange to bless for his new appointment and the event was included with traditional oil lamp and traditional prays. Principal Staff Officers, Directors, Senior Officers, Staff Officers and Other Ranks were present to extend best wishes to new COS.

Major General WBDP Fernando RWP RSP USP psc is a proud product of the De Mazenod College Kandana. He joined the Sri Lanka Army on 27th April 1983 with Intake 18 and was trained at Sri Lanka Military Academy, Diyatalawa and commissioned on 07th November 1984 and posted to 1st Battalion the Gemunu Watch.

Major General WBDP Fernando RWP RSP USP psc held many command appointments varying from Platoon Commander, Company Commander and 2nd in Command, Commanding Officer of 5th and 8th Battalion the Gemunu Watch.

He was a troop commander of General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University (KDU) and later he became the Commanding Officer of KDU. During his career of more than 34 years, he has held a variety of staff appointments. Such as Brigade Major - 521 Bde, GSO 2 (Trg)- Dte of Trg, Colonel (General Staff) 55 Div, Sub Area Commander – Rathnapura, Director Sports- AHQ, Director General Operations and Systems- OCDS and Director Psychological Operations.

Further , he has followed many training courses local and abroad in his military carrier. He was graduated from Defence Service Command and Staff Collage and obtained a degree of Sports Science and Management Course in Wellington , New Zealand.

Major General WBDP Fernando RWP RSP USP psc was decorated with Rana Wickrama Padakkama (RWP) and Rana Sura Padakkama (RSP) for his exceptional unique performances ,valor and bravery that he displayed during operations and also a recipient of the Uttama Seva Padakkama (USP) for his unblemished military career in the Army .

He held many command appointments namely ; Commander 533 and 541 Brigades Commander 23, 65 , 54 Infantry Divisions, Security Forces Commander, Security Force in Mullaittivu.

He is a well known sportsman and fitness promoter in the Army who represented Sri Lanka in Basketball and member of the National Olympic Committee. Also he represented numerous national sports bodies in Sri Lanka , and thus been ambassador in the capacity of Chief of Mission and Technical Advisor in South Asian Games Colombo in year 2005 and 2015 in Assam India. Presently he is the Chairman of Army Para Game Committee.

“TARRY NOT FORWARD”