FAREWELL CEREMONY FOR MAJOR GENERAL W S RAJAKARUNA USP ACCORDED MILITARY SALUTE

The farewell ceremony for Major General W S Rajakaruna USP, Commandant Ranaviru Apparels YAKKALA, was held at the Regiment Centre on the occasion of his retirement after completion over 34 years of successful service in Sri Lanka Army.

Major General WIJAYAMUNI SHANTHA RAJAKARUNA USP was born on 30th October 1965 at the General Hospital Ambalangoda. He has enrolled to Richmond Collage Galle for primary and secondary education. Upon completion of Advanced level examination he joined with Sri Lanka Army as an Officer Cadet on 2nd April 1986. He underwent the basic training at Sir John Kotelawala Defence Academy with Intake 4. After successful completion of training, he was commissioned on 17thJune 1988 and posted to prestigious 4th battalion of the Gemunu Watch.

He performed duties in various capacities in battalion level, such as Platoon Commander, Company Commander of the 4th Battalion the Gemunu Watch and Second in Command of 4th and 12th battalions the Gemunu Watch. He was seriously wounded on 14th April 1999 while performing duties as second in command of 12th Battalion the Gemunu Watch at NAGAR KOVIL, JAFFNA due to a claymore bomb blast. He has displayed his untiring, excellent and exemplary leadership particularly during the decisive stages of the war. His tactical thinking coupled with timely decisions immensely contributed to the accomplishment of any mission entrusted to him by the superiors. Apart from battalion level appointments, he has held many command and staff appointments in various levels including Commanding Officer, Admin Wing Sri Lanka Military Academy Diyatalawa, Staff Officer 1 at Army Headquarters, Colonel Administration & Quartering at Army Headquarters, Senior Staff Officer Defence Service Collage Colombo, Deputy Director, Directorate of Rehabilitation, Commandant Ranaviru Sevana Ragama, Director, Directorate of Rehabilitation, Commander Forward Maintenance Area MULATHIUVE and Commandant and Chief Executive Officer of Ranaviru Apparels YAKKALA.

For his unblemished 34 years of military career he was awarded with Uttama Seva Padakkama and awarded with many military decorations such as, North Humanitarian Operation medal, East Humanitarian Operation medal, North and East Operations Medal, Rivirasa Campaign Service Medal, Purna Bhumi Medal, 50th Independence Anniversary Medal, Sri Lanka Army 50th Anniversary Medal, Sri Lanka Armed Services Long Service Medal, Sevaabimani Medal and Seva Medal.

During his illustrious military career, he has followed many overseas and local courses, such as Platoon Commander Tactics Course at Army Training School MADURU OYA, Regimental Signal Officer Course at Regimental Centre Sri Lanka Signal Crops, Battalion Support Weapon course at Army Training School MADURU OYA, Advance Physical Training Instructor Course at Pune in India, Young Officer Course at Pakistan, and Junior Command Course in India.

Centre Commandant, Brigadier JMRNK Jayamanna RWP welcomed the Chief Gust 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. 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.

Then the Chief Gust was accompanied to the dinner at the Officer’s Mess. Major General B V D P Abeynayake USP ndu, Commander of Security Force (West) and 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 General Shantha Rajakaruna. 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 Shantha Rajakaruna and some memories as well.

A special memento was presented to Major General Shantha Rajakaruna by the Colonel of the Regiment in appreciation of dedicated services rendered to the Regiment.

“TARRY NOT FORWARD”