06th May 2024 15:44:48 Hours
Major General W.P. Kariyawasam assumed duties as the General Officer Commanding of the 23 Infantry Division on 01 May 2024. The ceremony commenced in the morning with religious rites, rituals, and formal military ceremonials.
The first segment of the ceremony took place at Headquarters 23 Infantry Division premises, where military honors were presented by the troops of Infantry Division. Major General Priyantha
Kariyawasam then reviewed the Guard Turnout presented in his honor. Subsequently, he was escorted to the saluting dais to receive the Guard of Honor from the troops of the 9th Battalion, Sri Lanka Artillery Regiment.
Following the military formalities, a brief ceremony was conducted to invoke blessings on his new appointment, including Pirith chanting at the General Officer Commanding office. Religious dignitaries blessed him for his new role, and he symbolically accepted the office by signing an official document.
As part of the ceremonial activities, Major General Priyantha Kariyawasam planted a Mango sapling in front of the office complex and posed for a few group photographs with field commanders and staff officers. He also shared a cup of tea with all ranks of 23 Infantry Division who were presented to greet him.
Later, the General Officer Commanding received a briefing about the Area of Responsibility (AOR) during a staff briefing. Infantry Brigade Commanders, Senior Officers of Divisional Headquarters, Commanding Officers, Officers, and other ranks attended the ceremony to pay their respects to the newly appointed General Officer Commanding of the 23
