08th June 2022 19:13:25 Hours
Maj Gen Jagath Kodihuwakku RWP RSP ndu the present Colonel of the Regiment of Sri Lanka Light Infantry (SLLI) assumed the office as the 60th Chief of Staff of the Sri Lanka Army on Wednesday 08th June 2022 at the Army Headquarters Battaramulla. Upon his entry into the premises, he signed an official document symbolizing the assumption of office after the traditional Buddhist religious observances. Centre Commandant of SLLI, Staff Officers of the Regimental Headquarters SLLI and the office of the Chief of Staff joined the occasion.
Major General Jagath Kodithuwakku, prior to this new appointment served as the Deputy Chief of Staff of the Sri Lanka Army. Further Commander, Security Forces Jaffna, Quarter Master General and General Officer Commanding 66 Infantry Division are some of few significant as well as strategic appointments he has held during his tour of duty.
He joined the Sri Lanka Army on 27 October 1986 as an Officer Cadet to the Regular Intake 26. After completing his basic training at Sri Lanka Military Academy and Pakistan Military Academy, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant and posted to 3rd Battalion of Sri Lanka Light Infantry. During his illustrious military career, he has served varying appointments in different capacities, mostly in high intensity operational environments, in which he was recognized as a valiant infantryman. Throughout his career he has been an excellent commander, conversant instructor and a systematic staff officer.
He has commanded Infantry platoons and Infantry companies of 3rd, 6th and 8th Battalions of the Light Infantry, showing exemplary leadership. Later he had the distinguished privilege of commanding the 10th Battalion of Sri Lanka Light Infantry. As a highly experienced and qualified professional, he has shown abilities of developing and executing tactical and strategic plans successfully. Hence he earned the distinction of commanding 532 and 512 Infantry Brigades of the Sri Lanka Army.
As a staff officer he has served in various capacities and has held key appointments in various establishments, including the Army Headquarters. Some of the significant appointments include the Staff Officer 2 at the Directorate of Psychological Operations, General Staff Officer 2 at the Directorate of Training and General Staff Officer 1 at the 21 Infantry Division. He was also the Centre Commandant of the Regimental Centre Sri Lanka Light Infantry where he initiated many engagements to enhance the administration and welfare of Officers and Others Ranks of the regiment.
He also served as a Directing Staff and a Senior Instructor at the Institute of Peace Support Operations - Sri Lanka and earned the distinction of becoming Sri Lanka's first Military Observer, seconded to the United Nations in the post war era to serve the United Nations Mission in DR Congo. He also performed as a Military Observer to the Peacekeeping Training Course in the Islamic Republic of Iran, prior to his assignment. He had the privilege of being the Commandant of both the Infantry Training Centre Minneriya and Army Training School Maduru Oya.
Major General Jagath Kodithuwakku is a graduate of the University of Colombo and holds a Masters’ Degree in Human Resource Management and a Post Graduate Diploma in Human Resource Advancement. He also holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Conflict Resolution and Security Studies from the University of Bradford in UK. He is a professional counsellor and holds an Advanced Certificate in Guidance and Counseling from the Institute of Psychological Studies. Owing to his exceptional negotiating skills, he has been awarded the membership at the Sri Lanka Institute of Professional Counsellors. He is also a distinguished graduate of the College of Security Studies at the Asia Pacific Centre for Security Studies where he completed the Comprehensive Crisis Management Course.
He has also gained enormous amount of experience through various training programmes both in Sri Lanka and abroad. He completed a course of training on mastering education of Strategic and Resilience Studies at the National Resilience Institute of the Republic of Indonesia. He has also attended the Pacific Area Security Sector Working Group (PASSWG) training program at the Mongolian Armed Forces Special Operations Command, Pacific Joint Special Operations University in Mongolia.
Major General Jagath Kodithuwakku has been awarded with many medals and honours for his distinguished conduct, bravery, dedication and loyalty to the nation; Rana Wickrama Paddakama, Rana Soora Padakkama, Deshaputhra Paddakkma, Eastern Humanitarian Operation Medal, Wanni Humanitarian Operation Medal, Poorna Bhumi Padakkama, North and East Operations Medal, Reviresa Campaign Service Medal, 50th Independence Anniversary Medal, Sri Lanka Army 50th Anniversary Medal, Sri Lanka Armed Services Long Services Medal, Sewabhimani Padakkama, Pasasum Sewa Padakkama, Videsha Seva Padakkama and United Nations Observer Medal in DR Congo.
The life, which is dedicated to the country, the life which protects the lives of others, the life, who not lives for self, this prestigious appointment salutes the life of you. It is the reward for your unconditional serving and selfless attitude. All officers and Other Ranks of Sri Lanka Light Infantry wish you to achieve many more successes. Congratulations.
