11th June 2020 11:42:36 Hours
Major General Senarath Bandara, the newly appointed Commander, Security Force - East made his maiden visits to the Headquarters 23 Division, 231 Brigade, 232 Brigade and 233 Brigade on 04, 06 and 07 June 2020.
On arrival at the HQ 23 Div, the Commander SF (E) was warmly welcomed by the General Officer Commanding 23 Division, Major General Dhammika Jayasundara. Thereafter, GOC 23 Div briefed the operational,command and control and administrative responsibilities of 23 Div. All Brigade Commanders and Staff Officers were also present during the briefing.
Addressing the troops, Major General Senarath Bandara remembered with great appreciation the former Commander Security Force (East), Major General Rasika Fernando for taking the appropriate measures to commence the quarantine process at the initial stage on the guidance of Lieutenant General Shavendra Silva, the Chief of Defence Staff, Commander of the Army and Head of the National Operation Centre for Prevention of COVID-19 Outbreak (NOCPCO). Further, the Commander greatly admired the dedication, commitment and invaluable services of all the officers and soldiers of SF (E) in shouldering the task of executing this national responsibility.
Adding to his speech, the Commander SF (E) stressed on the need to ensure the health and hygiene of the troops and advised to take all precautions,complying with strict health guidelines and physical standards, being an exemplary for achieving the motto of “Healthy Army Healthy Nation.” Furthermore, the Commander insisted that the Army soldiers can be an effective mode of communication while they are on leave by educating their villagers, relatives and loved ones on the commendable roles played by the Army personnel at this critical juncture of the country and precautions over the spread of COVID 19 as well. Commander SF (E) further highlighted that the commanders at all levels should uplift the welfare facilities of soldiers and maintain their moral high to effectively respond any eventualities in the future.
During the address, the Commander Security Force (East) insisted upon the vested responsibility of wining the hearts and minds of the multi ethnic communities of the area while preserving the image of the Army. Moreover, he appreciated the tasks performed by the military intelligence services to safeguard the security of the Eastern Theatre and to tackle the spread of COVID 19 in the country. Also, the Commander emphasized the importance of training in different professional aspects of the career and maintenance of the highest standards of discipline by the officers and soldiers.
In addition, the Commander Security Force (East) also visited the Heritage Park Thoppigala, Headquarters 231 Brigade Batticaloa, Headquarters 232 Brigade Tharavikulam and Headquarters 233 Brigade Vakarai and interacted with troops where he spoke along the same lines as mentioned above.
