VOLUNTEERING TO BE SHINED UNDER A NEW COMMAND

Major General M K Jayawardena RSP VSV USP ndu assumed duties as the 54 ^th successor in the office of the Commandant of the SriLanka Army Volunteer Force on 01 January 2024 at the Headquarters of the Volunteer Force amidst formal military formalities accomplished.

At the arrival to the camp premises, the newly appointed Commandant was received by Major General Thusitha Silva KSP, the Deputy Commandant of the SLAVF.After reviewing the Guard Turnout, the newly appointed Commandant paid his tribute by laying a wreath on the memorial of late Captain Saliya Aladeniya PWV in the gesture of cherished memories of fallen war heroes who sacrificed their innumerable lives in order to safeguard the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country.

After a while, a dignified military Guard of Honour was reviewed in honour of the Commandant by the troops of the Sri Lanka National Guard in accordance with military traditions at the parade ground.

Amidst chanting of Seth Pirith by Maha Sanga and blessings of all religious rites and rituals were accomplished in the office, Major General M K Jayawardena placed his signature on an official document, symbolizing the formal acceptance of the office on his new appointment at the auspicious time.

Coincide with the assumption of duties in the Office of Commandant of the Volunteer Force, the commencement of the new working year was marked with the scheduled events under the auspice of Major General M K Jayawardena. The flags of the Sri Lanka Army and the Sri Lanka Volunteer Force were hoisted at the Headquarters premises followed by the National Anthem and the Army Song being recited. A two- minute silence was then observed in remembrance of the fallen war heroes and others who sacrificed their invaluable lives on behalf of the motherland. The official reciting of the oath of public servant took place on account of the commencement of the day of the new year.

In retrospect, the glorious history of the Volunteer Force: the oldest military organization in Sri Lanka that originated in 1881, the Commandant made his maiden address to the troops spelling out the significance of revitalizing the spirit of volunteering that are ever saluted and honoured by this nation. The senior officer recalled the distinguished assignments of obligations executed by the Volunteer Force in eradiating the terrorism from this soil as well as during the post war era, nation building and sports. Captain Saliya Aladeniya who is the first recipient of "ParamaWeeraVibhushanaya" (PWV): the gallantry award accorded for acts of exceptional valour in the face of enemy, and other remarkable contributions made voluntarily by the members of the Volunteer Force were reminisced with utmost respect. Further, the senior officer, paid his sincere tribute for the notable contributions in sports remembering the first Olympic Medal by Mr Duncan White and other achievers underlining strengths and potentialities borne by the members of the Volunteer Force.

The Commandant marked his conclusion of the note passing ever trusted strength of volunteering on the present generation of the Volunteer Force to be empowered with a heart of sounding and proficiency ever valued.

In the wake of scheduled events, a tea ritual was attended by all officers who presented the event.

Large gathering of senior officers, officers and soldiers attended the occasion and extended their best wishes upon taking over the duties along with new year compliments.