18th February 2026 17:50:59 Hours
The Sri Lanka School of Military Engineering (SLSME) held a traditional farewell ceremony on 16 February 2026 for its outgoing Commandant, Colonel JACS Jagoda psc. The event marked the end of his successful tenure, during which he made important improvements in infrastructure, training programmes, and overall modernization of the school.
The ceremony took place at SLSME with full military honours. The Chief Instructor welcomed the Commandant, followed by a formal Guard Turnout and an impressive ceremonial parade performed by SLSME staff. These traditional rituals demonstrated the deep respect and discipline within the Corps of Sri Lanka Engineers.
Colonel JACS Jagoda assumed duties as the 35th Commandant of SLSME on 18 November 2024, in line with military customs. During his leadership, he showed forward-thinking vision by leading major enhancements that improved the school's ability to train combat engineers for the Sri Lanka Army's changing operational needs.
Key achievements under his command included significant upgrades to infrastructure and facilities, creating modern and more effective training environments. He also oversaw a complete review and update of course syllabi to match current tactical and technological requirements. In addition, new subject specific textbooks were developed and introduced, offering high quality, up to date resources for trainees in areas such as field engineering, plant operations, bomb disposal, and humanitarian demining.
In an address to the troops and staff, the Commandant expressed his sincere thanks to everyone at SLSME. He credited their dedication and teamwork as the main reason for the school's achievements during his time in charge. He underscored the vital need to preserve and build upon this momentum, reaffirming that the SLSME remains the heart of the Corps of Sri Lanka Engineers, a central hub for producing skilled, motivated professionals who embody the motto "Motherland Honour & Service."
The farewell ceremony reflected the strong respect and appreciation felt by the entire SLSME community for Colonel Jagoda's contributions. His leadership raised training standards and strengthened the school's vital role in supporting national defence through excellent military engineering education.
