29th March 2026 20:57:54 Hours
Major General D K S K Dolage USP nps psc, the Chief of Staff of the Sri Lanka Army and Colonel Commandant of the Corps of Sri Lanka Engineers, conducted an official visit to the Regimental Centre SLE, the 1 Field Engineer Regiment, and the ‘Home of Sappers’ in Mattegoda on Thursday, 26th March 2026. The visit served as a platform to strengthen regimental bonds and review the operational readiness of the Sapper community.
The day’s proceedings commenced at the Regimental Centre of the Corps of Sri Lanka Engineers. In keeping with long-standing military traditions, the Colonel Commandant was warmly received at the Main Entrance with a ceremonial Drive Pass, reflecting the high honour and esteem held for his leadership. Upon his arrival, he was formally welcomed by Colonel N K B S Jayasekara, the Centre Commandant of the Corps of Sri Lanka Engineers, and Major R M L A Rathnayake USP psc SLE, the Commanding Officer of the 1 Field Engineer Regiment.
A significant highlight of the morning was the Colonel Commandant’s address to the Officers and Other Ranks of the Regimental Centre and the 1 Field Engineer Regiment. During his speech, Major General Kapila Dolage expressed his profound gratitude to the entire Corps. He emphasized that the successful realization of the Regimental vision is a collective effort, encompassing everyone from the most senior officers to the dedicated civil servants. He further underscored the vital importance of unity, operational excellence, and the enduring Sapper spirit in meeting contemporary challenges.
In a symbolic gesture of appreciation, the Centre Commandant and the Commanding Officer of the 1 Field Engineer Regiment presented an elegant bonsai plant to the Chief of Staff to commemorate the visit. In return, the Colonel Commandant gifted a collection of books to the library. Encouraging professional development, he advised all officers to cultivate the habit of reading to enhance their professional knowledge and wisdom. Following the address, the Colonel Commandant joined all ranks for tea at the Sappers’ Mess, where he shared a few moments of comradeship before engaging with the officers of both entities.
The second leg of the tour took place at the ‘Home of Sappers’ – Mattegoda, where the Colonel Commandant was once again honoured with a ceremonial Drive Pass. Upon his arrival he was then warmly received by the Brigadier HKP Karunathilaka RSP, the Overlooking General Officer Commanding of the Sri Lanka Army Engineer Division. Thereafter, The Colonel Commandant addressed the gathering of troops from the Engineer Division, the 14 CBRNE Regiment, and the 16 Workshop Regiment. Reiterating his earlier sentiments, he praised the collective dedication of all personnel and highlighted the role of regimental pride in maintaining high standards of discipline and efficiency. To mark the occasion, the Officers and Other Ranks of the ‘Home of Sappers’ presented a memento to the Colonel Commandant.
The visit continued with an All Ranks tea held at the SALEBA Convention Hall, providing a relaxed atmosphere for the Chief of Staff to interact with the troops. Major General Kapila Dolage also inspected the ongoing construction work of the SALEBA Convention Hall roof renovation project, where he was briefed on the progress and scope of the development. Before the conclusion of the tea party, Major General Dolage presented a special memento to the Officers and Other Ranks of the Mattegoda complex as a token of his appreciation. Concluding the comprehensive visit, the Colonel Commandant signed the Visitors’ Books at the Engineer Division, 14 CBRNE Regiment, and 16 Workshop Regiment, leaving behind remarks of commendation and encouragement.
The visit was further dignified by the presence of Major General C D Wickramanayake WV RSP ndc, Chief Field Engineer of the Sri Lanka Army, along with Senior Officers and Officers of the Corps.
