NEW ARCHERS CHIEF ASSUMES DUTIES

Major General S U M N Manage WWV RWP RSP psc assumes office as the 20th Colonel of the Regiment of the Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment on 05 November 2021 during a brief ceremony at the Vijayabahu Infantry Regimental Centre, Boyagane, Kurunegala according to the instructions imposed by Army Headquarters while giving pride of place to military customs by adhering all the health precautions and guidelines stipulated to prevent COVID-19 outbreak.

The proceedings began as the day's protagonist, Major General Nishantha Manage’s arrival at the VIR Regimental Centre, Brigadier Sumal Hemarathna, Centre Commandant of the Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment warmly received the newly appointed VIR Chief at the main entrance. Thereafter, a Guard Turnout is awarded in accordance with military formalities. Then he respected formally all fallen Vijayabahu War Heroes, while laying the floral wreaths at the War Heroes Monument and PWV Monument.

Later on, amidst religious observances Major General Nishantha Manage placed his signature in a formal document, symbolizing the assumption of duties. Leaving an indelible gesture in the premises, Major General Nishantha Manage was ushered to plant a tree sapling in the regimental premises and later on invited to pose for group photographs. As the day’s final showcase, New Colonel of the Regiment addressed troops which was arranged at the “Salute” Multifunctional Hall which broadcasted to VIR battalions via Zoom software.

Major General S U M N Manage WWV RWP RSP psc joined the Sri Lanka Army on 21 July 1987 and attended basic military training at Sir John Kothalawala Defence University, Colombo and Sri Lanka military Academy, Diyatalawa. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant on 23rd June 1989 upon graduation from the Sir John Kothalawala Defence University (KDU) and posted to the 1st Battalion the Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment. This Senior Officer obtained post graduate qualification from Naval Postgraduate School California, USA/Marin Corps University Virginia, USA and University of Kelaniya Sri Lanka.

Major General Nishantha Manage WWV RWP RSP psc has held a variety of specific operational, Administrative, Staff and Instructor appointments. Namely,

Staff Officer II at Military Secretary Branch and Directorate of Movement, Army Headquarters

General Staff Officer II (Operations/ Plans) in Joint Operations Headquarters

Battalion Commander, 1st Battalion Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment

Senior Instructor Sri Lanka Military Academy

Commander Sector 2 - OCC

2nd In Command SRIBAT (MINUSTAH) – United Nations Peacekeeping Mission

Directing Staff Defence Services Command and Staff College Sri Lanka

Colonel General Staff, 68 Infantry Division

Commander 515 Infantry Brigade

Head of the Training Team (Army Wing) of Defence Services Command and Staff College

Commander 641 Infantry Brigade

Brigadier (Coordinator) Defence Services Command and Staff College Sri Lanka

Military Liaison Officer, Ministry of Defence

General Officer Commanding 53 Infantry Division

Presently, he is holding the appointments of Colonel of the Regiment of VIR as well as Commander, Army Training Command, Diyatalawa.

Major General Nishantha Manage has participated in many major military and Humanitarian Operations conducted by the Sri Lanka Army against LTTE terrorists and awarded Weera Wickrama Vibushanaya, Rana Wickrama Padakkama and Ranasura Padakkama for the valor and conspicuous bravery of a military nature in the battlefield.