13th June 2023 09:47:25 Hours
Leaving an indelible chapter in the history of the Volunteer Force, Major General W A S SWanasinghe RSP VSV USP ndu, the 50th Commandant of the Sri Lanka Army Volunteer Force (SLAVF)handed over his duties and responsibilities in an elegant ceremonyon 05 June 2023 at the Headquarters, SLAVF in order to take up his new errand as the Deputy Chief of Staff of the Sri Lanka Army.
A series of formalities observed in connection with the relinquishment of the appointment, on his arrival to the venue. The Senior Officer was received by Major General Thusitha Silva KSP, Deputy Commandant SLAVF.
The Senior Officer placed his signature on the Visitors’ Book following handing over the duties at the office of the Commandant. In accordance with the military customs, the Senior Officer unveiled his portrait adding his tenure to the great legacy of Commandant where his beloved father’s imprint has been marked as the 5th Commandant of the Volunteer Force.
The outgoing Commandant posed for a group photograph with the staff of the Headquarters of the Volunteer Force leaving impressive recollections of a true and exemplary leader who rendered a commendable service for the betterment of the establishment and its successors.
Addressing the troops, the outgoing Commandant extended his gratitude for the members of the Volunteer Force who handed in realizing organizational objectives during his assignments of duties. Further, he spelled out the noteworthy service rendered by the officers and soldiers who voluntarily joined during the war at climax extending his gratification towards such an admirable and adorned amenity. As such, the obligationsand accountabilities vested on the shoulders of each member were immensely enlightened on preserving the eminence and legacy of this proud establishment.
Following the troop address, the Senior Officer was offered a tea ritual by All Ranks where he had a cordial interaction with the gatheringand he was awarded with a memento by the Warrant Officers’ and Sergeant’ Mess of the Headquarters of the Volunteer Force.
The Senior Officer departed from the Headquarters amidst good-bye cheers of the Officers and Other Ranks who street lined on both sides of the road leading to the Main Gate.
The day’s proceedings reached the culmination with the customary Guest Night hosted to the outgoing Commandant at the Officers’ Mess of the Headquarters, SLAVF. The evening was coloured by attendance of the Senior Officers andOfficerswith whom the Chief Guest shared a cheerful moment.
The Deputy Commandant with a gesture of profound appreciation, reminisced the distinguished service extended by the outgoing Commandant to the Volunteer Force. Afterwards, it arose a felicitous moment of presenting the souvenir. A token of goodwill was presented to the Chief Guest by the Deputy Commandant in appreciation of his service to this prestigious establishment.
The Chief Guest delivering the farewell speech unfolded his profound sense of feelings along with his vision to be carried out by his successors. He paid his gratitude for the Deputy Commandant and all the members for the good gesture extended to him during the period he served as the Commandant.