MAJOR GENERAL SANTHUSITHA PANANWALA BIDS FAREWELL TO SECURITY FORCE (EAST)

The Commander Security Force (East), Major General Santhusitha Pananwala RSP ndu with an illustrious military career spanning over 36 years, relinquished the office of the Security Force (East) on 19 November 2018, and will be retiring from the Sri Lanka Army on 24 November 2018. The series of formalities held at Headquarters on 19 November 2018 in connection with the relinquishment of the appointment commenced with reviewing of the Guard Turnout accorded to the outgoing Security Force Commander on arrival to the venue. The Chief Guest inspected the Guard of Honour accorded to him by troops of the 7 Field Engineer Regiment in keeping with military traditions.

The Commander Security Force (East) planted a sapling at the headquarter premises to mark his farewell. General Officer Commanding 22 Division Major General Aruna Jayasekara, General Officer Commanding 24 Division Major General Mahinda Mudalige, General Officer Commanding 23 Division Brigadier Kapila Udalupola, Senior Project Coordinating Officer - Regional Ordnance Stores Complex Construction Project Punani Brigadier Wasantha Madola were present along with Brigade Commanders, Commanding Officers and a large gathering of Officers and Other Ranks.

Subsequently, the Security Force Commander posed for group photographs with the GOCs, Brigade Commanders, all COs and Staff of the SFHQ (E). Before participating for the all ranks lunch, the outgoing Commander Security Force (East) thanked the Staff for all generous support extended during the office as the Commander of the Security Force -(East) addressing the troops of the Security Force Headquarters - (East).

In the evening, a special farewell function was organized at the Officers' Mess on account of the farewell of the Commander Security Force (East) with the participation of the GOCs, Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police - Eastern Province Mr. Kapila Jayasekara, Brigade Commanders, all COs, Officers of the SFHQ (E) and distinguished guests. In keeping with the traditions, the Brigadier General Staff of SFHQ (E) Brigadier Shantha Hewawitharana & Brigadier Admin and Quartering Brigadier Michal Wanniarachchi presented a special memento to the Commander Security Force (East) in appreciation of his services to the Security Force Headquarters (East).

Major General Santhusitha Pananwala delivering the farewell speech unfolded his profound sense of feelings and gratitude to all Officers for the good gesture extended to him during the period he served as the Commander Security Force (East). He placed his signature on the Visitors’ Book leaving an inspiring and indelible chapter as the Commander Security Force (East). The proceedings reached the culmination with the departure of outgoing Commander Security Force (East) Major General Santhusitha Pananwala RSP ndu, from the Security Force Headquarters (East) on 20 November 2018 amidst the good wishes of all ranks of SFHQ (E) being in street lining.