19th December 2023 21:09:26 Hours
The Vijaybahu Infantry Regiment bade formal farewell to the retiring Brigadier P N S J Fernando USP upon completion of more than 32 years of valuable service to the organization in a fitting ceremony which took place on 17 December 2023.
Accordingly, outgoing Brigadier Jude Fernando was accorded a ceremonial Guard Turnout, and a ceremonial Parade in appreciation of his service to the regiment, where he addressed all the troops and extended his thanks to all members of the Regimental Centre.
During the farewell ceremony, Brigadier Jude Fernando paid his tributes to the fallen war heroes of the regiment by laying flower wreaths to the War Heroes’ Monument and PWV Monument. Further, he was honoured by an All-Rank tea party at the Other Ranks’ Mess.
Bracing an old military tradition, the regiment hosted a Farewell Guest Night to mark the retirement of Brigadier Jude Fernando along with his spouse, Mrs Shamika Fernando at “The Salute” multifunctional hall, under the direction of the Adjutant General of Sri Lanka Army and Colonel of the Regiment of Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment, Major General Rohitha Aluvihare RWP RSP ndu psc.
Members of the Regimental Council and several senior officers including other officers, along with their spouses, attended the farewell dinner which reached its climax with the presentation of mementos to the day's protagonists in appreciation of the service rendered to the Regiment and the Army as a whole. As a custom, a specially designed token of appreciation was also presented to the outgoing member of the Vijayabahu Seva Vanitha Branch.
