ARMY CHIEF OF STAFF PAYS A FAREWELL CALL ON CDS

Respecting the long rooted customs and traditions in the Armed Forces, the retiring Army Chief of Staff, Major General Sanjaya Wanasinghe RSP VSV USP ndu made a farewell call on the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Shavendra Silva WWV RWP RSP VSV USP ndc psc MPhil at his office today (11 October 2023).

Major General Sanjaya Wanasinghe served as the Chief of Staff of the Army, Colonel Commandant of Sri Lanka Artillery and Chairman of the Sri Lanka Army Sports Committee at the time of his retirement from the Sri Lanka Army.

On the arrival, General Shavendra Silva warmly welcomed the retiring senior officer and his spouse to the Office of the Chief of Defence Staff (OCDS). During his courtesy gesture, the retiring senior officer paid a special gratitude to the CDS for his guidance and mentorship extended throughout the military career. Major General Sanjaya Wanasinghe who has completed over 36 years of service in the Sri Lanka Army further stated that the exemplarity leadership of the CDS in challenging situations set a model to the retiring senior officer in making decisions at difficult times. He also paid his gratitude to General Shavendra Silva for the trust and confidence he had in the retiring senior officer till the final day in the service.

During the affable meeting, the CDS recalled the dedicated services rendered by the retiring senior officer. General Shavendra Silva particularly mentioned the valuable service of the senior officer in producing the much needed Snipers for the Sri Lanka Army which played a vital role in winning the operations against the terrorists. As the cordial dialogues went on, the CDS commended the effort of Major General Wanasinghe during his tenure as the Adjutant General, to recruit talented youth to the Directorate of Performance & Arts, Sri Lanka Army that intern helped to enhance the performances of cultural and dancing troops in the Army due to which the organisation holds the pride today. His commitment as the General Officer Commanding of 61 Division to mitigate and help the general public in the Southern Area of the country during the COVID pandemic was also acknowledged with appreciation.

Adding to the conversation, the CDS also commended the gentleman qualities of the retiring senior officer and further stated that his way of living in both military and civil depicts the standard any officer should maintain in the military. The commitment and contribution of the family members of the retiring senior officer were also respectfully recalled by General Shavendra Silva during the call on.

CDS did not forget to appreciate the service of Mrs. Chama Wanasinghe to the Army Seva Vanitha Unit in numerous means. General Shavendra Silva wished the outgoing senior officer a successful retired life blessed with good health and the call on culminated with the handing over of mementoes to Major General Sanjaya Wanasinghe and his spouse.