BRIGADIER H A HAPUGODA USACGSC TAKES OVER DUTIES AS THE PRINCIPAL STAFF OFFICER OF THE SRI LANKA ARMY VOLUNTEER FORCE

Brigadier H A Hapugoda USACGSC assumed duties as the 11th successor in the office of the Principal Staff Officer of the Sri Lanka Army Volunteer Force on 29 December 2025 at the Headquarters of the Sri Lanka Army Volunteer Force.

To signify the acceptance of his new office, the senior officer placed his signature on the official documents that denote his professional responsibilities in this prestigious appointment. The ceremony was held at the auspicious time amidst religious observances and traditional rituals, invoking blessings for success in his new role.

The senior officer enlisted in the Regular Force of the Sri Lanka Army on 22 October 1994 and entered the General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University as an Officer Cadet under Intake 12. Having completed his basic military training, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant on 20 December 1997 and was posted to the Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment: a proud and prestigious regiment of the Sri Lanka Army commencing his military career.

Throughout his career, the senior officer has held a wide range of command, staff, instructional and advisory appointments, greatly contributing to operational effectiveness, training excellence, and strategic-level administration within the Army. As a senior officer who has commanded at key military junctures, he has already completed battalion and brigade commander tenures, showcasing his senior command role. In a senior staff role, he performed duties as Staff Officer 1 at the Military Secretary’s Branch – Army Headquarters, Colonel General Staff of the 59th Infantry Division, and Assistant Military Liaison Officer at the Ministry of Defence.

In an instructor role, he has served as a Course Officer at the Sri Lanka Military Academy, Directing Staff/Senior Instructor at the Army Training School in Maduruoya, Directing Staff Officer at the Career Development Centre, Directing Staff at the Defence Services Command and Staff College in Batalanda, and a visiting lecturer at the Institute of Peace Support Operations Training Sri Lanka in Kukuleganga.

As special assignments of duties, he served in the role of Aide-de-Camp to the Commander of the Army and Chief of Defence Staff, and as a Military Liaison Officer in a United Nation’s mission.

Strengthening his academic foundation, he also holds Master of Science in Military Studies at the University of Kelaniya, Master of Arts in Conflict and Peace Studies at the University of Colombo, Diploma in Intermediate Level of Education, Higher Diploma in Defence Management and Bachelor of Arts (Defence Studies).

A battle-hardened combatant with decades of operational exposure actively contributed to major military operations across the Northern and Eastern theatres from the early stages of the war until its conclusion.

Senior officers, officers and other ranks were present at the ceremony and extended their heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to the senior officer on assuming duties as the Principal Staff Officer of the Sri Lanka Army Volunteer Force.