08th August 2020 13:14:52 Hours
A farewell ceremony for Major General T S Bangsajayah RWP RSP VSV USP ndu, Commandant, Sri Lanka Army Volunteer Force, Colonel of the Regiment of Gemunu Watch (GW) and Commander, Army Training Command (ARTRAC) was held at the Regiment Centre on the occasion of his retirement after completion of over 35 years of successful service in Sri Lanka Army.
Major General Suraj Bangsajayah was born on 03 August 1965 and is a proud product of the St Benedict College Kotahena. He joined the Sri Lanka Army on 01 October 1985 with Intake SSC 7 and was trained at Sri Lanka Military Academy, Diyatalawa and commissioned on 31 May 1986 and posted to 1st Battalion the Gemunu Watch.
During his tour of duty, he has achieved many qualifications from both local and overseas. Major General Suraj Bangsajayah has followed number of Local & foreign courses in his military career. Some of the important courses are Advance infantry course, Platoon Commander Tactics course,Young Officers’ Course - India, Junior Command Course – India, UN Course - Bangladesh, UN Course – Sahara, he is a graduate from National Defence University, China.
Further, Major General Suraj Bangsajayah 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 are Platoon Commander, Adjutant - 1 GW, GSO 3 - Dte of Trg, Squadron Comd - KDA, GSO 1 - OCC, SO 1 (A) - RHQ GW, CO - ATS, Comdt - CTS (AMP), Instr - IPSOTSL, Comdt - ATS (M-Oya), Comdt - NCO Trg Sch, Comd - 211 Bde, Comd - 583 Bde, Dy GOC - 58 Div, Director - Dte of Rec, GOC - 57 Div, Comdt – ITC and DG Trg AHQ, DGGS - AHQ, and finally Commandant- Sri Lanka Army Volunteer Force.
Maj Gen T S Bangsajayah RWP RSP VSV USP ndu was decorated with Rana Wickrama Padakkama (RWP) and Rana Sura Padakkama (RSP) for his exceptional unique performances, velour and bravery that he displayed in the face of enemy during operations and also a recipient of Vishista Sewa Vibhushanaya (VSV) and Uttama Seva Padakkama (USP) for his unblemished military career in the Army.
Centre Commandant, Brigadier AADNSP Dunuwila RWP RSP USP 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.
All officers and Other Ranks of the Regiment Centre extended their heartfelt gratitude to distinguished outgoing Highlander for his commitment and dedication to the Gemunu Watch and wished him for a healthy, wealthy, peaceful and prosperous life.
Then the Chief Gust was accompanied to the dinner at the Officer’s Mess. Major General B V D P Abeynayake USP ndu, Adjutant General - AHQ, 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 General Suraj Bangsajayah. During the farewell speech, Major General B V D P Abeynayake USP ndu has recalled some of the salient achievements and milestones of Major General Suraj Bangsajayah and few memories as well.
A special memento was presented to Major General Suraj Bangsajayah by new Colonel of the Regiment, Major General B V D P Abeynayake USP ndu in appreciating of dedicated services rendered to the Regiment.
