NEW EASTERN COMMANDER FAMILIARIZES WITH HIS TROOPS

Newly appointed Eastern Commander, Major General Darshana Wijesekera on 20 and 21 June 2023, paid his formal field visits to the 24 Infantry Division and its under commands.

The Eastern Commander arrived at the Headquarters 18 Battalion Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment on Tuesday (June 20) morning. General Officer Commanding of 24 Infantry Division Major General Wipula Chandrasiri, Brigade Commander 241 Infantry Brigade Colonel Dhanika Pathirathna, and Commanding Officer of 18th Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment Major Uditha Kaluaarachchi warmly welcomed the Eastern Commander to the 24 Infantry Division area. Subsequently, the Commander visited 241 Infantry Brigade, 8th Battalion Sri Lanka National Guard, 242 Infantry Brigade, 23 Battalion Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment accordingly, and the Commander visited Muhudu Maha Viharaya as customary and took blessing from the "Nayaka Thero" at the temple. Afterward, the Commander terminated the first day of his visit. At the two Brigade Headquarters, Brigade Commanders were briefed to the newly appointed Eastern Commander on operational duties and administrative matters relevant to their under-command areas.

Furthermore, starting the second day of his visit on Wednesday (June 21), the Eastern Commander, visited Buddhangala Temple and thereafter visited Deegawapiya Temple to observe the renovation project of Stupa. At the both temples he attended to the religious rituals and also took the blessings of the "Maha Nayaka Theros". Later he arrived at the 11th and 16th Battalions of Sri Lanka National Guard and terminated the visit. While in the visit the Commander did not forget to address the troops of 24 infantry division area in their camps. All the headquarters warmly welcomed the newly appointed Eastern Commander to their headquarters accorded with the colourful drive pass. To symbolize the visit, the Commander planted a sapling and made complimentary notes and good wishes in the Visitors' Book at each Headquarters as customary.

General Officer Commanding 24 Infantry Division, Major General Wipula Chandrasiri, Brigade Commander 241 Infantry Brigade, Colonel Dhanika Pathirathna, Brigade Commander 242 Infantry Brigade, Brigadier Anuruddha Solangaarachchi, Brigadier General Staff and Brigadier Admin and Quartering of Security Forces Headquarters (East), together with Staff Officers of 24 Infantry Division and Commanding Officers of respective areas were also attended the visit.