Commander of the Army Paid a Visit in Jaffna

The Chief of Defence Staff and the Commander of the Army, Head of the National Operation Centre for Prevention of COVID -19 Outbreaks, General Shavendra Silva on the invitation of Major General Jagath Kodithuwakku, the Commander Security Forces Jaffna paid a visit Jaffna Peninsula on 03 November 2021.

Upon his arrival at the Palaly International Airport, Major General Jagath Kodithuwakku, Commander, Security Forces Jaffna extended a hearty welcome and preceded CDS and Commander of the Army to the Security Forces Headquarters Jaffna premises. On his arrival at the entrance of the SF(J), a guard turnout was accorded with military formalities. Few minutes later, CDS and Commander of the Army was greeted to military honour according a guard of honour by the troops of Sri Lanka Army Light Infantry at the parade ground and General Shavendra Silva took the salute in the parade.

After a while, a discussion was held with the CDS and Commander of the Army, with the participation of Commander Security Forces Jaffna, Division Commanders,Commander Forward Maintenance Area (North) and Principle Staff Officers of Security Forces Jaffna at the VIP conference hall. During the meeting, Security Forces Commander Jaffna briefed on prevailing security situation, present status of COVID - 19 control and prevention programme, ongoing vaccination drive and troops commitments over the reconciliation projects initiated in Jaffna Peninsula. This was followed two group photograph with all senior officers in Jaffna and regimental sergeant majors of respective battalions.

Afterwards, the visiting Commander addressed officers and other ranks of tri forces in the Jaffna peninsula. During his address the Commander emphasized the importance of carrying out special duties by troops of tri-services indispensable for national security.

Subsequently, the visiting CDS and Commander of Army graced a string of events as the Chief Guest organised by the Security Forces Jaffna with the patronage of Major General Jagath Kodithuwakku, the Commander Security Forces Jaffna in par with promoting reconciliation process in Jaffna Peninsula.

Accordingly, the Chief of Defence Staff and Commander of the Army, General Shavendra Silva officially handed over Sri Lanka Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (SLEME) repaired and refurbished vehicles (bus, cab , unicorn vehicles, Trucks, Tractors and Bicycles) at the Security Forces Headquarters premises for the use of Forward Maintenance Area (North) and battalions under command to the Security Forces Headquarters Jaffna.

After a while, the day’s Chief Guest was invited to inaugurate the new office complex and the Officers’ Mess of the 7th Battalion Sri Lanka Army Women’s Corps Regiment, housed in Palaly. CDS and Commander of Army together with the Commander Security Forces Jaffna and the Commanding Officer of the 7 SLAWC unveiled plaques and warmed both new buildings amidst religious blessings.

Whilst, CDS and Commander of Army visited the recently established mega compost processing site at the SF (J) farm and graced the ceremony of provision of compost fertilizers to the farmers in Jaffna. During the event, Chief Guest handed out newly manufactured organic fertilizers to the thirty five farmers symbolically. Afterward, Commander visited the coconut cultivation project which was launched at the SF (J) farm and under this project, total number of 800 coconut saplings will be planted in 12 acres in collaboration with the Board of Coconut Development.

After while, Commander together with Commander Security Forces Jaffna laid the foundation stones for the construction of one more new house for an Ex-LTTE combatant living in Chunnakam who has been rehabilitated and reintegrated to the society on Poson Poya Day, under the special presidential pardon on 24 June 2021. Troops of 10th Battalion Sri Lanka Artillery Battalion under 51 Infantry Division will provide technical, engineering and manpower support for the construction whilst financial assistance is sponsored by the Mr. Chamardewa Yegendran, a donor living in Jaffna.

Meanwhile, a newly constructed house in Uduwil was vested in a deserving family during a brief ceremony of Hindu rites and rituals. General Shavendra Silva together with Commander Security Forces Jaffna graced the house warming ceremony and handed over the keys to the beneficiary, Mrs. Mahendrarasa Amirthamalar. The troops of 9th Battalion Sri Lanka Light Infantry under 51 Infantry Division volunteered technical, engineering and manpower assistance while financial support for the construction was extended by church of the American Ceylon mission. Dry ration packs and essential household items which are required by the family were donated by the Commander of Army.

General Officer Commanding of 51, 52 and 55 Divisions, Commander FMA (North), Government Officials, Brigade Commanders, Senior Officers, Commanding Officers of respective battalions and troops of tri services in the Jaffna Peninsula were present during the events.