21st October 2019 16:58:00 Hours
The Commander Security Forces (East), Major General H R N Fernando RSP ndc, upon his assumption of office recently, made his maiden visit to the 23 Division, on October 17, 18 and 19.
Commander, SF-E first arrived at the 23 Division Headquarters Punani and was received by Major General Kapila Udalupola, General Officer Commanding (GOC), 23 Division, then Commander was greeted to a Guard Turn Out at the main entrance.
As a symbol of memory, Major General Rasika Fernando, the Commander Security Forces (East) was invited to plant a sapling in front of the Division Headquarters office. Later the GOC 23 Div briefed on operational and administrative matters in the presence of Brigade Commanders and all Battalion Commanders.
While addressing the troops, Major General Rasika Fernando emphasized the importance of training to enhance the professionalism of Officers and Other Ranks in order to maintain the highest standards of efficiency and discipline. During the all Ranks tea at the Gymnasium premises, the Commander Security Forces (East) spared time to interact with Other Ranks and as the concluding event he left a complementing remark on the visitors’ book.
The Commander SF(E) on the following day (18), visited the 233 Brigade Vakarai and received by Colonel Rajitha Elvitigala, Commander 233 Brigade, subsequently the visiting Commander was greeted to a Drive Pass Salute at the main entrance. The SF Commander was then invited to plant a sapling inside the Headquarters premises. After the troop address, concluding the itinerary of the day, Major General Rasika Fernando joined an all ranks tea at the Other Ranks' Mess.
The SF Commander on the last day (19), visited the 231 Brigade Batticaloa. The SF Commander was greeted to a Drive Pass, salute on his arrival and was warmly welcomed by the Commander 231 Brigade, Colonel Mihidu Perera. He also addressed troops and symbolically planted a sapling.
During the visit, the SF Commander had courtesy calls with the Chief Incumbent of Mangalaramaya Batticaloa Ven. Ampitiye Sumanarathana Thero and His Eminence Bishop of Batticaloa Rt. Rev. Joseph Ponniah and had blessings upon his assumption of office as the Commander Security Forces (East).
