MAJOR GENERAL B M R J BANDARA TAKES OVER THE DUTIES AS THE DEPUTY COMMANDANT OF THE SRI LANKA ARMY VOLUNTEER FORCE

Major General B M R J Bandara assumed duties as the 34th successor in the office of the Deputy Commandant of the Sri Lanka Army Volunteer Force (SLAVF) which is the highest eminence attainable by a Volunteer Officer in the Sri Lanka Army, with effect from 11 April 2025 after being elevated to the rank of Major General.

In a ceremony marked by dignity and customs, military formalities were accomplished on assuming duties by the incumbent Deputy Commandant and he was warmly received by Brigadier N Mahawithana KSP who was accompanied by Colonel B R W M R A B Thoradeniya - Deputy Centre Commandant, Sri Lanka National Guard and the Colonel H P D A Wijesekara - Commanding Officer, Headquarters Battalion of the Volunteer Force.

A series of customary formalities commenced with the reviewing of Guard Turnout awarded to the incoming Deputy Commandant on his arrival to the camp premises. Afterwards, the Deputy Commandant was ushered by Brigadier H A Keerthinatha RSP KSP psc to the memorial of Captain Saliya Aladeniya, and he paid his tribute by laying a wreath in the gesture of cherished memories of fallen war heroes who sacrificed their innumerable lives to safeguard the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity on this soil.

The Deputy Commandant was warmly welcomed by Brigadier B J Lekamge RSP KSP - Brigadier Administration SLAVF, and accompanied him to the saluting dais to receive the Guard of Honour presented by the troops of the Sri Lanka National Guard amidst melodies hummed for the honour of patriotism ever saluted.

The Deputy Commandant placed his signature on an official document in the midst of blessings of religious observances and rituals, symbolizing the formal acceptance of his new appointment at the auspicious time, and planting of a sapling was taken place following the event to signify his inauguration of the office.

Addressing the troops, the Deputy Commandant commemorated fallen and wounded war heroes, and made a comprehensive note on preserving the decorum of the Volunteer Force, which is the foremost establishment that laid a footprint for the origin of the entire military establishment. In particular, he emphasized the accountability and responsibility required for assignments in the role of a combatant, which are very precise in nature, unlike those in a conventional profession.

The event was attended by Brigadier A M C Abeykoon RWP RSP USP ndc - Principal Staff Officer, senior officers, officers, other ranks and civil servants in the Volunteer Force and a gathering of senior officers and officers who represented other military establishments.