THE MAIDEN VISIT OF THE 60TH CHIEF OF STAFF TO SLMA

On 29 July 2022, Maj Gen TJ Kodithuwakku RWP RSP ndu paid a courtesy visit to the Sri Lanka Military Academy after assuming his duties as the 60th Chief Of Staff of the Sri Lanka Army. This senior officer is too a proud product of the Sri Lanka Military Academy who was enlisted to the Sri Lanka Army on 26 October 1986 and underwent his basic military training as an Officer Cadet of the Intake 26. Further, his fortune blessed him with a rare chance to be selected for overseas training at the Pakistan Military Academy (PMA). Upon successful completion of training, he became a commissioned officer and joined the oldest infantry regiment of the Sri Lanka Army, the Sri Lanka Light Infantry Regiment in 1987. During his thirty-five years of notable service, he made his utmost contribution to humanitarian operations and almost all non-humanitarian operations conducted throughout the protracted war of the country.

At the arrival of the Chief Of Staff to the military academy, he was warmly welcomed by the Commandant, Maj Gen WWHRRVMNDKB Niyangoda RWP RSP USP ndu psc along with the Deputy Commandant Brigadier WSN Hemarathna RWP RSP psc and other senior officers of the military academy. At the main entrance, the Officer Cadets briefed the Chief Guest the significance of the Ceremonial Arch, Monument of Peace and the Parade Square. Meanwhile, respecting the prolong military tradition, the Chief Of Staff laid a wreath before the Monument of Peace in honour of the fallen heroes. Afterwards, he presided the conference on the role and tasks of the Wings under the umbrella of the SLMA briefed by the respective Wing Heads. Also, he did not forget to spare some time to address all the officers and other rank instructors of the Academy. During the address, a school of important insights on officer cadet training was shared with them while underscoring the importance of trainers’ role and adherence to SOPs, Army rules and regulations in grooming the officer cadets to become worthy, workable and all-round military leaders.

His visit to the Alma Mater was acknowledged with an exchange of mementos in appreciation. Meanwhile, the Chief Of Staff penned a note of thanks to his host and his views on the Visitors' Book. Also, he posed for a photograph with officer cadets and officers of the Academy before his departure.