NEW EASTERN COMMANDER TAKES OVER DUTIES

Major General M K U P Gunaratne RSP ndu psc IG of Sri Lanka Artillery assumed office as the new Commander, Security Forces - East (SFHQ -E) on Monday (14 August) amidst religious blessings and military formalities at the Security Force Headquarters - East in Walikanda.

The day’s proceedings commenced with a Guard Turnout salute, presented to the new Eastern Commander at the main entrance on his arrival. Subsequently, he was warmly welcomed by Brigadier General Staff of the SFHQ - E, Brigadier A H A D Ariyasena RWP RSP USP psc ptsc and accompanied to take the salute of the Guard of Honour, presented by 9 SLA troops.

Moments later, amid religious rites and rituals, followed by ‘Seth Pirith’ chanted by "Maha Sanga" and in front of the Pan-religious priests, Major General M K U P Gunaratne RSP ndu psc IG assumed his new office by placing this signature symbolically in an official document.

Afterwards, the Commander Security Forces-East posed for a few group photographs before planting a sapling at the Headquarters premises as a gesture of memory. Furthermore, the incoming Eastern Commander during the subsequent troop address educated his Officers and Other Ranks in respect of duties and responsibilities, entrusted to them.

Towards the end of the day’s agenda, he interacted with the troops during an All Rank tea arranged at the Privates' Mess. General Officers Commanding of 22, 23 and 24 Infantry Divisions, Commander, Forward Maintenance Area - East, Brigade Commanders, Commanding Officers, Staff Officers and Other Ranks took part in the series of events.