NEW CENTRE COMMANDANT ASSUMES DUTIES

Brigadier G P Kodituwakku RWP RSP assumes office as the 17th Centre Commandant of the Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment on 22 November 2021 during a brief ceremony at the Vijayabahu Infantry Regimental Centre, Boyagane, Kurunegala 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, Brigadier Prabath Kodituwakku’s arrival at the VIR Regimental Centre, Colonel Damitha Wickramasinghe, Liaison Officer of the Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment warmly received the newly appointed Centre Commandant at the main entrance in absence of Deputy Centre Commandant due to an official commitment. 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 Brigadier Prabath Kodituwakku placed his signature in a formal document, symbolizing the assumption of duties. Leaving an indelible gesture in the premises, Brigadier Prabath Kodituwakku was ushered to plant a tree sapling in the regimental premises and later on invited to pose for group photographs with the Officers. As the day’s final showcase, New Centre Commandant at addressed troops which was arranged at the “Archers” Cinema Hall.

Brigadier Prabath Kodituwakku was born on 15 June 1968 and studied at St. Servatius College, Matara, Mahanama Viyalaya and Ananda College, Colombo. He was a bright student during the college life who amply illustrated his talents and skills in various streams.

He was enlisted to Sri Lanka Army Regular Force on 14 November 1989 and followed the basic military training as a Cadet Officer of Intake 34B (KDA 7). After a successful training he was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant on 14 November 1991 and posted to 4th Battalion the Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment and subsequently posted to 8th Battalion the Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment. In the Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment career he has held various appointments at 8th Battalion the Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment such as a Platoon Commander, Company Commander, Adjutant and Operations and Training Officer. Subsequently, he hold the appointment of 2nd In Command of 4th Battalion and then commanded the 6th Battalion the Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment and 8th Battalion the Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment respectively.

During his 32 years of military tenure and He has held numerous important appointments in Command, Staff and Administration capacities in various formations, namely;

Staff Officer 2 (Admin) - Regimental Centre VIR

General Staff Officer 1 - 11 Infantry Division

General Staff Officer 1 (Operations/Training) - Regimental Centre VIR

Contingent Commander - United Nations Peacekeeping Mission in Lebanon

Colonel General Staff - 57 Infantry Division

Colonel General Staff - 14 Infantry Division

Commander - 652 Infantry Brigade

Commander - 623 Infantry Brigade

Brigadier General Staff - 1 Corps

Besides the courses of training he followed in Sri Lanka, he has followed foreign military courses such as Young Officers’ Course - Pakistan, Junior Command Course - India and Senior Command Course in China.

He was awarded by “Rana Wickrama Padakkama” and “Rana Soora Padakkama” for excellent conduct and bravery in the battlefield. This Senior Officer is married to Mrs Nadeera Wijekoon and blessed with one daughter.