24th December 2021 21:10:25 Hours
The Corps of Sri Lanka Engineers (SLE) Regimental Headquarters at Panagoda on 23 December 2021 bids farewell to the 19th Colonel Commandant of the Corps of Sri Lanka Engineers and the Chief Field Engineer of Sri Lanka Army, Major General Nihal Amarasekara, who has added colours to the Regiment almost 35 years during a customary farewell ceremony.
Upon the arrival of the day's Chief Guest, he was warmly welcomed by the Centre Commandant Brigadier Manoj Madurapperuma and accorded with a Guard Turn out on his arrival at the venue. Then he was ushered to salute the monument of fallen War Heroes with a floral wreath.
In conformity with traditions, a Guard of Honour was awarded to the outgoing Colonel Commandant by SLE troops followed by the formal troops address by the Colonel Commandant. The forenoon arrangements culminated with the refreshments at the Warrant Officers’ and Sergeants' Mess. In a moving gesture all Officers and Other Ranks after the tea, honoured him in a street line farewell as his vehicle began to move off.
The day's formalities reached its climax with the formal dinner hosted at the Officers' Mess in the same evening, where the retiring Officer's service to the Army was lavishly hailed and awarded a special memento by the Major General Nishantha Herath - the Commandant of Defence Services Command and Staff College and the incoming Colonel Commandant, before the retiring Colonel Commandant, Major General Nihal Amarasekara delivered his farewell compliments.
