COMMANDER OF THE ARMY MAKING HIS FIRST FORMAL VISIT AT EASTERN HEADQUARTERS

The Security Force Headquarters-East (SFHQ-E) lent a hearty red carpet welcome to Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage, Commander of the Army on Thursday (March 30) when he made his first formal visit to the SFHQ-E compound after his assumption as 24th Commander of Sri Lanka Army. The much-awaited visit was invited to the Commander of the Army, by Major General Sujeewa Hettiarachchi, the Commander, of Security Forces-East (SF-E), which was coloured with military salutes, troop addresses, exchange of mementos, group photographs, sapling planting and all rank tea party.

Upon the Commander of the Army's arrival at the Eastern Headquarters, 6 Battalion Gajaba Regiment troops accord a colourful drive pass greeted him at the entrance of the SFHQ-E. After, the Commander of the Army was warmly welcomed by Major General Sujeewa Hettiarachchi, the Commander of SF-E to the Eastern Headquarters, and led the Commander of the Army to the main stage. Afterward, Commander SF-E introduced the Commander of the Army, to the troops by doing a speech that reminded the Commander's lead path, and end of the speech he invited Commander of the Army to address the eastern troops.

During the address to both officers and other ranks at the SFHQ-E, the Commander of the Army highlighted the importance of the Army that could undertake any challenge whether it is security, emergencies, nation-building, or otherwise. Moreover maintain high standards of discipline and fearlessly defended the territorial integrity, sovereignty and unitary status of our motherland is bounden duty of a soldier, Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage reminded the gathering. At the end of the address, Major General Sujeewa Hettiarachchi, the Commander, SF-E on behalf of all ranks in the eastern territory presented a symbolic memento to the Commander of the Army. Thereafter, Commander of the Army also, presented the memento to the Commander of SF-E for remember the his visit.

Afterwards, the SFHQ-E added symbolic memories to visit by inviting the Commander of the Army to plant a Sadun sapling inside the SFHQ-E compound. The Commander of the Army then posed for a few group photographs with respective Senior Officers and regimental Sergeant Majors serving in eastern territory symbolizing the significance of this special day and he penned his compliments and good wishes in the Visitors' Book before departure from the headquarters.

All General Officer Commanding, Brigade Commanders, Commandants, Commanding Officers, with 175 officers and 1200 other ranks of the eastern territory took part in the day.