20th January 2021 14:10:10 Hours
Major General Senarath Bandara of Gemunu Watch assumed office as the 57th Chief of Staff of the Army during a simple ceremony at his new office in the Army Headquarters, on 18th January 2021 amid religious observances, greetings and best wishes.
Soon after his arrival, he made religious offerings to the Buddha and performed observances. As members of the Maha Sangha commenced ‘Pirith’ chanting to invoke blessings on the new office, the new Chief of Staff left his signature for an official document to signify the acceptance of his new office.
The brief ceremony culminated with offer of ‘Pirikara’ to the monks. A representative gathering of Senior Officers were there to extend best wishes to him at the occasion.
Major General Senarath Bandara, prior to taking over the office of the Chief of Staff he was serving as the Commander, Security Forces Jaffna. Here follows a brief profile of Major General Senarath Bandara:
Major General W G H A Senarath Bandara was enlisted to the Sri Lanka Army Regular Force on 17 January 1986 and was commissioned to the Gemunu Watch. To his credit, he has held a number of key appointments in the Army covering operational areas during the war for peace before May 2009.
He also has served many command appointments including the Office of the Commanding Officer, 5 Gemunu Watch, Commanding Officer Infantry Training Centre, Commander 572 Offensive Brigade during the war and was at forefront of freeing the most sacred Madu shrine from the clutches of ruthless terrorists.
He also was the Commander 111 Brigade, Director Independent Directorate at the Army Headquarters, General Officer Commanding, 61 Infantry Division, General Officer Commanding, 54 Infantry Division, General Officer Commanding, 11 Infantry Division, Commander Security Forces – East and the Commander Security Forces - Jaffna.
He is also the Chairman of the Sri Lanka Army Hockey Committee and a keen sportsman.
Major General Senarath Bandara as a determined and fearless battle-hardened officer, sustained injuries thrice while the fight against terrorism was at its peak. As a highly decorated infantry officer, he has been awarded the prestigious Rana Wickrana Paddakkama (RWP) three times and the Rana Sura Paddakkama (RSP) twice for his patriotic bravery and the Desha Puthra Sammanaya three times due to wound in actions during humanitarian operations.
During his overseas military education, he has followed the Young Officers’ Course (1988), Regimental Signals Officers Course (1994), Junior Command Course (1996) Parachute Course (2004), Senior Command Course (2008) in India, Red Arrow Missile Course (2006) in Beijing, China and a few others. He is also a graduate of the National Defence University in Pakistan where he excelled well.
Major General Senarath Bandara has also served as the Defence Attaché (DA) at the High Commission of Sri Lanka in Islamabad, Pakistan during March 2015 - March 2017.
He is married and blessed with two sons and a daughter.
