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20th September 2024 14:09:33 Hours
Major General Lasantha Rodrigo assumed duties as the 57th successor in the office of the Commandant of the Sri Lanka Army Volunteer Force (SLAVF) on 18 September 2024 at the Headquarters of the Volunteer Force amidst formal military traditions and customs.
On arrival at the camp premises, the newly appointed Commandant was received by Major General WGP Sisira Kumara RSP - Deputy Commandant SLAVF accompanied by the Principal Staff Officer, Brigadier Administration, Centre Commandant - Sri Lanka National Guard (SLNG) and Commanding Officer - Headquarters Battalion of the Volunteer Force.
Ritualistic events that were scheduled for the acceptance of duties and responsibilities in the office of the Commandant were unfolded, and accordingly, a Guard Turnout was accorded to the Commandant in compliance with the military norms. 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 to safeguard the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country.
Afterward, a spectacular military Guard of Honour was reviewed for the ceremonial welcome for the Commandant by the troops of SLNG who crowned as champions at Army Inter Regiment Drill and Pace Stick Competition - 2023 at the parade ground.
The Commandant attended the official formalities of taking over duties on his new appointment at the auspicious time amidst the blessings of all religious rites and rituals. In line with the itinerary of the day, the senior officer planted a sapling in the camp premises for the memory of the day of assuming duties.
The Commandant made his maiden note passing an inspirational motive for the future assignments of duties of soldiers who are bound by a precise role and task. Paying his salutation and honour for the Volunteer Force: the oldest military establishment in the Sri Lanka Army originated in 1881, the Commandant spelled out the significance of revitalizing the spirit of volunteering that is ever saluted and honoured by this nation. The senior officer recalled the distinguished assignments executed by the Volunteer Force in eradicating terrorism from this soil as well as during the post-war era and other remarkable contributions made voluntarily by the members of the Volunteer Force with the utmost honour. Further, the senior officer painstakingly emphasized on the conduct of a serving member who is mannered with loyalty and moralities that are to be well adhered.
A gathering of Brigadier Coordinating Officers, Colonel Coordinating Officers, Liaison Officers, Commanding Officers, Senior Officers, Officers and Other Ranks who represented respective military establishments attended the occasion, and extended their best compliments upon the career ascension of the new descendant in the office of the Commandant in the Volunteer Force of the Sri Lanka Army.
Reaching the pinnacle of the event, the Commandant, SLAVF attended all-rank tea, and had a cordial interaction with the attendees.
