BIDDING FAREWELL TO THE 37TH COMMANDING OFFICER

A farewell ceremony for the outgoing Commanding Officer - Officer Cadet Wing, Colonel E W R S B Ehelepola USP USACGSC was held at the SLMA on 16 and 17 January 2023. On 16th evening, a farewell party for the outgoing Commanding Officer was held at the Officers’ Mess with the participation of all Wing Heads, Senior Officers and Officers of the Military Academy in compliance to his commendable service to the organization and a token of appreciation was also awarded.

On 17 January 2024, Colonel Ruwan Ehelepola USP USACGSC of Gajaba Regiment was accorded with a Guard of Honour, comprising of 15 Officers, 31 Non-Commissioned Officers and 63 Officer Cadets in four squads to compliment his outstanding service to the Officer Cadet Wing (OCW) as the 37th Commanding Officer. Before this tenure, he rendered his dedicated service for his alma mater in the capacity of Course Officer, Adjutant-OCW and Chief Instructor-MTW.

By addressing the parade, the Commanding Officer acknowledged all the Academy personnel who assisted in various means to accomplish his responsibilities as the Commanding Officer. Also, he shared some of his deep insights of his military life with the trainee officer cadets to apply during their training in future. Afterwards, the proceeding of handing over of duties took place at the CO’s office, followed by planting of an Iron Wood sapling at the OCW premises as a living memory. Later, a group photograph was taken with the Academy staff in front of the Academy Headquarters, and participated in a traditional tea party hosted by the officers, other rank instructors and officer cadets of the Academy. Finally, amidst showers of well-wishes and blessings of the Academy personnel standing in a street line, Colonel E W R S B Ehelepola USP USACGSC set off the SLMA for taking over his next hierarchical appointment as Colonel General Staff- SF (HQ) East.