20th July 2023 19:55:24 Hours
In honour of his great service to the SLMA, the Military Academy organized a splendid farewell ceremony to the outgoing Commandant on 18th and 19th July 2023; a special lunch for the Commandant was hosted at Warrant Officers’ and Sergeants’ Mess on 17th July and a grand farewell party was held at the Officers’ Mess on 18th evening with the participation of all officers of the Academy. The unprecedented and committed service of Major General Buddhika Perera to the Military Academy in his short tenure at the Academy was greatly appreciated and the Commandant made this an opportunity to share his life lessons in different junctures of his professional life. In gratitude, a token of appreciation was too presented to the outgoing Commandant by all the Officers of the Academy, followed by a special dinner at the Mess.
On 19th morning, Maj Gen Buddhika Perera was honoured with a Guard Turnout at ‘A’ Gate , followed by paying tribute to the Monument of Peace and a ceremonial military parade commanded by the Commanding Officer- Administration Wing Colonel WAP Ranathunga with the participation of officers, NCOs and officer cadets of the Academy.
After the parade formalities, the outgoing Commandant attended to the handing over formalities at the Commandant’s Office. Then, he was indeed pleased of planting an ‘Iron wood’ sapling by the wayside of the main drive to the Headquarter Complex. Afterwards, a Troop Address by the Commandant was held at the Sino Lanka Friendship Auditorium and every one’s contribution, support and teamwork during his tenure was credited in an appreciative tone and his great insights of the long journey were shared with the audience.
Afterwards, a traditional tea party organized by the staff of the Academy was hosted to the Commandant as the roof-top of the Auditorium. After that, Major General Buddhika Perera noted his inspirational thoughts about the tenure on the Visitors' Book before marking his departure from the Military Academy, which was complimented by a traditional Street Line stretching from the new Headquarters to the main gate amidst blessings and wishes of all officers, other ranks, officer cadets and civil employees for a beautiful voyage ahead.
