23rd August 2024 09:32:41 Hours
Sri Lanka Armoured Corps bid farewell to its most Unconventional Cavalryman, Major General S W M Fernando WWV RWP RSP VSV USP ndc psc on 23 August 2024. The former Commander Security Forces (West), and the 14th Colonel Commandant of the Sri Lanka Army Armoured Corps has received a big salute on his retirement at the end of more than 35 years of active service as the most unconventional iconic feature of the Cavalry Family.
The days’ programme commenced with the arrival on Major General Mahendra Fernando and he was welcomed by the Lieutenant Colonel R K K Paragahathanthree psc, the Commanding Officer of the 1st Reconnaissance Regiment following a Guard Turnout. The Colourful Guard of Honour was reviewed by the outgoing Colonel Commandant, accompanied by the Parade Commander together with Brigadier A P C R Premathilake RSP USP ndc, Centre Commandant and Brigadier A A D P Kulathilaka USP ndc psc, Commander, Armoured Brigade in accordance with military traditions.
An address of All-Ranks by the outgoing senior officer and All Rank tea culminated the day’s 1st stage proceedings. Mrs Samangka Fernando, outgoing President of the Armour Ladies Club also attended the ceremony. At the end of the events, the outgoing Colonel Commandant was awarded a street lining farewell bids ‘Jaya Sri’ by officers and other ranks of the Sri Lanka Armoured Corps.
The day's event also textured with the Farewell Dinner hosted in honour of the outgoing Major General Mahendra Fernando by all Officers at the Cavalry Mess with their spouses. Major General S W M Fernando WWV RWP RSP VSV USP ndc psc commented in his speech at the Farewell Dinner, that extending his heartfelt gratitude for the generous assistance offered by many ways by all Officers and Other Ranks of the Sri Lanka Armoured Corps, during his military career.
