05th February 2021 18:25:03 Hours
The Corps of Sri Lanka Engineers (SLE) presented military honours and warm greetings to the newly-appointed Colonel Commandant of the Corps of Sri Lanka Engineers, Major General Nihal Amarasekara, the Chief Field Engineer of Sri Lanka Army, during a formal ceremony held on 05 February 2021 at the Regimental Headquarters SLE Panagoda as he arrived at the premises as the 19th Colonel Commandant of the Corps of Sri Lanka Engineers.
He succeeded Major General Kumara Peiris, who retired from the Army after an illustrious service of 35 years.
As the initial military formality, the new Colonel Commandant was warmly welcomed by Brigadier Mangala Mayadunna the Centre Commandant at the entrance to the Regimental Headquarters and invited him to receive the Guard Turnout salute before he was conducted to pay tribute to fallen War Heroes at the Regimental Monument.
A few minutes later, the formal Guard of Honour saluted the newly-appointed Colonel Commandant where he received the salute from the special dais. Then in the office, Major General Nihal Amarasekara placed his signature for an official document to symbolize the acceptance of his new office, amidst chanting of Seth Pirith by Maha Sanga. Then, the day’s Chief Guest was invited for planting a tree sapling as has been the practice in the army ceremonies of this nature.
During his address to the officers, the Colonel Commandant highlighted his vision is to shape the Corps of Engineers as innovative, professionally qualified, competent, ready and reliable combat support arm to support the greater vision of the Commander of the Army.
In order to achieve his vision, he will pay his attention to following key areas.
• Ensure reliable combat and plant engineering readiness through capability development and through building the capacities.
• Establish better career progression for officers, ORs and enhance military professionalism.
• Introduction and continue the realistic and innovative training opportunities and facilities.
• Look after welfare of officers and soldiers and their families.
• Make all efforts to guide the Officers and ORs to work together for the betterment of the Corps, Army and the Nation.
• Identify the gap and make a strong bridge with required components such as Training, Equipment and Manpower.
The day’s ceremony reached the culmination with the refreshments with All Ranks at the Utility building at the Regimental Headquarters. Senior Officers, Officers, and Other Ranks were associated with the occasion keeping with COVID -19 safety guidelines.
