RETIRING MAJOR GENERAL G J A W GALAGAMAGE ACCORDED MILITARY SALUTE

A farewell ceremony for Major General G J A W Galagamage was held at the Regiment Centre on the occasion of his retirement after completion of 33 years of successful service in Sri Lanka Army.

Major General Athula Galagamage was born on 16 June 1963 at Wellawatta and he completed his school education from Gunananda Primary School - Kotahena and De La Salle College - Mutwel. Being a School and National level Basket Ball player, he has been recognized as an icon of excellence in academics and noteworthy alumna of the De La Salle College.

Major General Athula Galagamage joined the Sri Lanka Army as an Officer Cadet on 14 June 1985 to the Officer Cadet Intake SSC 06. After successful completion of the basic military training, he was commissioned in the rank of Second Lieutenant on 09 April 1986 and posted to prestigious 1stBattalion the Gemunu Watch and began his career as a Platoon Commander, Battalion Intelligence Officer and Company Commander. He Commanded Headquarter Battalion of the Gemunu Watch and had excelled his service during difficult time as the capacity of a Commanding Officer.

During his tour of duty, he has achieved many qualifications from both local and overseas academia. Further, few of the foreign courses of training and visits that he attended as an Infantry officer as mentioned bellowed:

  • Young Officers’ Course - India

  • Junior Command Course - India

  • Senior Command Course - India

  • Brigade Commander Course - China

  • Enhance Peace Building Programme in Cambodia

  • Familiarization workshop - International Search and rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG) in Bangladesh

  • Asia Pacific Regional Proliferation Security Initiative workshop in South Korea

  • International Programme on Management in Thailand.

Apart from military, he gained his professional acumen gaining professional qualifications outside the Army successfully following Diploma in Information Technology at London Tec and presently reading for a Master Degree (MSc in Personal Management) at Sri Lanka Institute of Development Administration (SLIDA).

Further, Major General Athula Galagamage had immensely contributed to the Army with his proficiency in both Command and Staff aspects. He had proved himself as an icon of excellence by holding some of the key Command, Staff and Instructional appointments in his military career.

Command Appointments:

  • Commander - 213 Brigade

  • Commander - 513 Brigade

  • Commander - 512 Brigade

  • Commander - Mechanize Infantry Brigade

  • General Officer Commanding - Task Force 05 during Humanitarian Operation

  • General Officer Commanding - 57 Division

  • General Officer Commanding - 54 Division

Staff Appointments:

  • Brigade Major - 19 Brigade

  • Brigade Major - 11 Brigade

  • Staff Officer 2 - SD Branch Army Headquarters

  • General Staff Officer I (Operation) - 56 Division

  • Brigadier General Staff - Security Force Headquarters Kilinochchi

  • Director Army Sports - Army Headquarters

Instructional Appointments:

  • Troop Commander - Kotelawala Defence University

  • Chief Instructor - Infantry Training Schools Minneriya

  • Commandant - None Commissioned Officers' Training School Kalaoya.

As the Director Army Sports and as a National level Basket Ball figure, Genaral Athula Galagamage has attended following sports related visits giving credits to the Army and to the Gemunu Watch as well.

  • Chief of Mission - CISM World Military Cadet’s Game in Ecuador.

  • 70th General Assembly and Congress of the International Military Sports Council (CISM) in Kuwait.

  • Chief of Mission - World Military Women’s Basketball Tournament in France.

  • Manager, Sri Lanka Basketball team - South Asian Basketball Tournament -Nepal.

  • Senior Administration Officer - 12th South Asian Games in India.

Centre Commandant, Brigadier K Prematillake RWP RSP welcomed the Chief Gust and invited to review the Guard turnout at the entrance and accompanied to the salute of the proud, dignified military parade. Then, the ceremonial commemoration for fallen war heroes at the monument was taken place to make the event more traditional.

All officers and Other Ranks of the Regiment Centre extended their heartfelt gratitude to distinguished outgoing Highlander for his commitment and dedication to the Gemenu Watch and wished him for a healthy, wealthy, peaceful and prosperous life.

Then the Chief Gust was accompanied to the lunch arranged at the Officer’s Mess. Major General A A Koddippillly RWP RSP ndc, General Officer Commanding, 53 Division has delivered the customary farewell speech on behalf of all Officers of the Gemunu Watch to show deep sense of gratitude and appreciation of the service of Major General Athula Galagamage. During the farewell speech, Major General Athula Koddippillly has recalled some of the salient achievements and milestones of Major General Athula Galagamage. A special memento was presented to Major General Athula Galagamage by Colonel of the Regiment, Major General WBDP Fernando RWP RSP USP VSV psc in appreciating of dedicated and committed services rendered to the Regiment.

TARRY NOT FORWARD