30th July 2025 22:00:04 Hours
Invigorating an age-old military tradition, the Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment hosted a farewell ceremony in honour of the retiring Deputy Commandant of Sri Lanka Army volunteer Force Major General B M R J Bandara at the Regimental Centre, Boyagane, Kurunegala, in which his 35 years of distinguished service was hailed and awarded accolades on 28 July 2025.
As the first segment of the ceremony, Major General Janith Bandara was warmly received upon his arrival at the Regimental Centre and was accorded a Guard Turnout at the main entrance in accordance with military formalities and then he paid floral tributes to the fallen Vijayabahu War Heroes at the War Heroes Monument` and PWV Monument. Simultaneously, Major General Janith Bandara accepted the regimental salute at the ceremonial Guard of Honour accorded inclusive of Regimental Colours at the regimental parade ground.
Adding memories to the day, Major General Janith Bandara was invited to pose for a group photograph with all officers at the regimental parade ground. After a while, the retiring Major General Janith Bandara joined with all ranks tea to interact with all troops arranged at Men`s Club.
Summing up the series of events, the regiment hosted a Farewell Dinner Night to mark the retirement of Major General Janith Bandara along with his family at “The Salute” multifunctional hall in the same evening.
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 gift voucher was also presented to Mrs. Janitha Bandara.
All Officers and Other Ranks of the Regiment extended their heartfelt gratitude to Major General Janith Bandara for his commitment and dedication to the Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment and wished him a healthy, wealthy, peaceful and prosperous retired life.
