29th March 2018 21:09:51 Hours
Major General Ruwan Kulatunga assumed duties as the 9th Colonel of the Regiment of the Sri Lanka Light Infantry (SLLI) Regiment amidst religious observances at his office in the SLLI Regimental Headquarters at Army Cantonment, Panagoda on Thursday (22).
The day’s programme commenced with a Guard Turnout presented to the new Colonel of the Regiment on arrival in accordance with military traditions. Major General Ralph Nugera, General Officer Commanding (GOC), 14 Division and Colonel Anura Dissanayake, Deputy Centre Commandant, SLLI welcomed the newly-appointed Colonel of the Regiment on arrival and accompanied him to the saluting dais.
Afterwards, a colourful ceremonial guard of honour in the presence of ‘Kandula’, the SLLI pet mascot was accorded to the new Colonel of the Regiment by the Regimental troops in front of a large gathering of Senior Officers, Officers and Other Ranks belonging to the SLLI.
The incoming Colonel of the Regiment, accompanied by the Parade Commander, together with the Deputy Centre Commandant, SLLI reviewed the parade as per military tradition.
Major General Ruwan Kulatunga afterwards, paid floral tribute at the War Heroes Monument in memory of all those gallant Officers and Other Ranks of the SLLI who made the supreme sacrifice for the motherland.
A few minutes later, Major General Kulatunga in his new office placed signature in a formal document symbolizing the assumption of duties as the Colonel of the Regiment before Senior Officers and the regimental headquarters staff.
The new Colonel of the Regiment then addressed Officers and troops at the SLLI Privates’ Mess where he explained his vision for Sri Lanka Light Infantry Regiment in conformity with the Sri Lanka Army and also attended an All Ranks refreshments arrangement hosted for him by Warrant Officers’ and Sergeants’ Mess at the Regimental Centre SLLI.
The new colonel of regiment SLLI also appeared for a group photograph with all Senior Officers and Senior Non-Commission Officers in front of the main office complex of the Regimental Headquarters.
Major General Ruwan Kulatunga succeeded Major General Amal Karunasekara who retired from the service a few days ago.
