14th February 2022 10:02:46 Hours
Major General K Liyanage RWP RSP ndu after assuming duties as the 12th Commander of the Security Forces (West), made his formal field visit to the 61 Infantry Division, 613 Infantry Brigade,3 and 14 volunteer Battalions of Gamunu Watch on 11 February 2022.
The Commander initially arrived at the Headquarters of 61 Infantry Division, Boossa, Galle and he was warmly welcomed by Major General D B S N Bothota RWP RSP USP psc, General Officer Commanding of 61 Infantry Division before the visiting Commander was greeted with a Drive Pass at the main entrance in conformity with military traditions. Thereby,the General Officer Commanding introduced the staff officers of the 61 Infantry Division and afterwards, the Commander, Security Forces (West) attended to a comprehensive briefing that described the respective AOR by the General Officer Commanding of 61 Infantry Division and his staff officers. A few minutes later, the Commander, Security Forces (West) addressed the troops of the 61 Infantry Division Headquarters and then he was invited to plant a sapling in the camp premises to mark his visit. Moreover, the Commander participated for an all rank tea and he did not forget to pen a complimentary remark in the ‘Visitors book’ before departure from the 61 Infantry Division premises.
As per the day’s itinerary, the Commander has visited 14 (v) Battalion of Gamunu Watch located at Galle fort, and thereby, he was received by the Commanding Officer of 14 (v) Battalion of Gamunu Watch at the Battalion Headquarters. Thereafter, the Commander inspected the key places which are located at the Battalion Headquarters premises.
Subsequently, the Commander visited 613 Infantry Brigade located at Kamburupitiya, and the Commander of the 613 Infantry Brigade, Brigadier K A U Kodithuwakku RSP USP psc IG welcomed the West Commander with a Drive Pass at the main entrance. Then the commander of the 613 Infantry Brigade and Commanding Officers of under command Battalions delivered a comprehensive briefing regarding their own duties in their respective AOR.
Finally, marking the end of the day's visit, the Commander Security Forces (West) visited the 3 (v) Battalion of Gamunu Watch deployed at Matara and the Commanding Officer of the 3 (v) Battalion of Gamunu Watch welcomed the Commander Security Forces (West). Thereby, the Commander addressed the troops of 3 (v) Battalion of Gamunu Watch before departing the camp premises, he signed the ‘Visitors book’ congratulating them for their future endeavors.
During the troop addresses and the day’s visit, the Commander Security Forces (West) brought out some important aspects specially during the pandemic crisis, he stressed the importance of maintaining unity among the Officers and the Other Ranks, as well as ensuring personal health by following safety precautions. He also emphasized the Army's vested responsibility to support the government's effort to produce organic fertilizer as a national initiative in the present-day context, and he also highlighted the importance of maintaining the highest standard of discipline at all levels. Furthermore, the Commander emphasized the necessity of organic fertilizer in promoting the green economy, as well as the application of Biogenic Green Agriculture technology within the AOR. Other than that the commander appreciated the commitment of troops who rendered their potential service in this present scenario and directed respective officers to render their invaluable service in the future too.
Brigadier General Staff Brig R W Ponnamperuma RSP psc, Brigadier Admin and Quartering Brig G D R U Galhenage and several officers of the Security Forces Headquarters (West) accompanied the Commander during the visit.
