24th July 2019 10:11:07 Hours
A Farewell for retiring Major General Darshana Hettiarrachchi, the Colonel Commandant of Corps of Sri Lanka Engineers, was held on 22 July 2019 at Corps Headquarters. A large gathering of Senior Officers, Officers and Other Ranks attended the event. The General who completed more than 35 yrs of service has joined the Army as an Officer Cadet in March 1984 and Commissioned on 16 November 1985. During his military career, he has held so many command appointments in different capacities as fol.
a. Commanding Officer 5 Field Engineer Regiment deployed in Jaffna from 2000 to 2003.
b. Commander 222 Infantry Brigade deployed in Kantale from 2010 to 2011.
c. General Officer Command 22 Infantry Division deployed in Trincomalee from 2012 to 2013.
d. General Officer Command 23 Infantry Division in Punani, Batticaloa from 2014 to 2016.
e. Commander Security Force Headquarters East in Welikanda from 2016 to 2017.
f. Commander Security Force Jaffna on 28th March 2017 up to 15 July 2019.
It was very special to him appointing as the Colonel Commandant of the Corps of Engineers on 28th January 2018. Since then he committed very much to uplifting the standard of the Corps. During his service he has held key appointments in instructor and staff field too. Considering different nature of his capability and talents, from February 2012 to July 2013, he was appointed as the Commissioner General of Rehabilitation under the Ministry of Rehabilitation and Prison Reforms. His contribution to transform ex terrorists (LTTE) to be peace loving citizens in Sri Lanka was highly commended by the relevant authorities.
On the last day of his service, in conformity with military traditions Major General Darshana Hettiarrachchi was warmly welcomed by the Centre Commandant, Brigadier Ravindra Dias and accorded with a Guard Turn out. Afterwards, he laid a floral wreath to the war heroes' monument in remembrance of war heroes who made supreme sacrifices on behalf of the Motherland. Subsequently, he was bestowed with a Ceremonial Parade before the tea at Warrant Officers’ and Sergeant’s Mess. Thereafter, the day’s Chief Guest attended for the Council protocol. Subsequently, All Officers gathered for All Ranks Lunch at utility building. Ending the daytime ceremonial events street line consists of all Officers and Other Ranks greeted saying ‘’Jaya Sri" for the outgoing Colonel Commandant.
At the evening of the same day in accordance with Military traditions and the customs retiring Major General was hosted a Farewell Dinner at the Officers’ Mess and Large gathering of Senior Officers, Officers attended to the Farewell Dinner along with their spouses.
