30th December 2024 11:29:52 Hours
After the late Major General Vijaya Wimalaratne established the Gajaba Regiment, the most celebrated military officer and the first Gajaba officer to become the Commander of the Sri Lanka Army, as well as the first Gajaba officer to ascend to the prestigious position of Chief of Defence Staff, General Shavendra Silva WWV RWP RSP VSV USP ndc psc MPhil, took time to receive the honours offered by his mother regiment in appreciation of his exceptional military service at the ‘Home of Gajaba’ in Saliyapura this morning (29 December 2024), as he reaches his retirement from the active military service from 01 January 2025.
This momentous occasion marks the culmination of an illustrious career spanning across forty-one years, the longest period of continuous active service ever by an officer in the Sri Lankan Armed Forces. A distinguished and highly respected senior military officer, General Shavendra Silva's service stands as a testament to unwavering dedication, exceptional leadership, and profound patriotism.
Before the parade formalities began, General Shavendra Silva, with utmost respect, paid a solemn visit to the monument dedicated to the fallen Gajaba war heroes, where he honoured their memory with a floral tribute.
He did not forget to pay tribute to the memorial statue of the founder of the Gajaba Regiment, the late Major General Vijaya Wimalaratne, which was erected at the Gajaba Regimental Headquarters complex when General Shavendra Silva was serving as the 23rd Commander of the Army and the Colonel of the Regiment.
He then inspected the guard turnout to commence the military formalities, having been received by the Colonel of the Gajaba Regiment and the Commandant of the Sri Lanka Army Volunteer Force, Major General M G W W W M C Wickramasinghe RWP RSP ndu psc, who escorted General Shavendra Silva to the military parade. The parade, consisting of troops from seventeen Gajaba Regiments, was commanded by Major General U K D D P Udugama RWP RSP USP ndc psc, the appointed Director General of General Staff of the Sri Lanka Army.
After inspecting the parade, General Shavendra Silva was escorted by the Colonel of the Regiment, Major General Chandana Wickramasinghe, during the parade. Following the parade, General Shavendra Silva addressed the parade troops and all those present to witness the event. General Shavendra Silva, who holds the distinction of being the first Gajaba officer to command the Sri Lanka Army, the first to ascend to the prestigious position of Chief of Defence Staff, the only military officer to serve a diplomatic tenure while on active service to date, and the first four-star general produced by the Gajaba Regiment, expressed with utmost gratitude that everything he achieved in his military career is owed to the competence gained through his upbringing at the Gajaba Regiment and the invaluable experiences he gained from the Sri Lanka Army.
First of all, he paid a heartfelt tribute to the founding father of the Gajaba Regiment, the late Major General Vijaya Wimalaratne, under whose guidance he was nurtured in the 1st Gajaba Regiment. He gratefully mentioned that the late Major General Wimalaratne personally offered books from his own shelf to help him study and mould himself into a professional military officer.
During the Address, General Shavendra Silva went on to highlight some of the key infrastructure developments he established during his tenure as the Colonel of the Regiment, including the Gajaba Regiment Headquarters. He proudly noted that it stands as one of the most beautiful, attractive, and well-constructed army camps in the entire Sri Lanka Army-affectionately known as 'the Home of Gajaba'-and is equipped with all the essential infrastructure facilities for both officers and soldiers. This headquarters complex is undoubtedly the best regimental headquarters complex among the all regiments in the Army.
Furthermore, he pioneered the establishment of a carpeted parade square for the regiment, a five-turfed cricket ground, and was the mastermind behind the ‘King Keterian’ Holiday Home. He also oversaw the carpeting of all roads within the camp, the creation of a well-equipped Warrant Officers and Sergeants’ Mess, and the construction of a two-storied accommodation block for young officers.
General Shavendra Silva urged the Gajaba Regiment to maintain unity, professionalism, and uphold the highest quality and military standards among all officers and soldiers, ensuring that the Gajaba flag continues to fly high within the Armed Forces of Sri Lanka. As the first officer to be posted to the Gajaba Regiment, he proudly stated that his service to the regiment surpasses what words can express.
Finally, General Shavendra Silva emphasised that the soldiers who laid down their lives possessed an unshakable determination that the country deserved everlasting peace. Their courage was never for self-glory, but for a vision of a secure and safe future for Sri Lanka, one built on unity, peace, and strength.
As part of the occasion, he planted a sapling to symbolize the conclusion of his remarkable career rooted in the Gajaba Regiment and he had a cordial discussion with the Colonel of the Regiment Major General M G W W W M C B Wickramasinghe RWP RSP ndu psc.
The vibrant ceremony was attended by CDS's spouse, Mrs. Sujeewa Nelson, and many senior officers, officers, their spouses and a large number of other ranks of the Gajaba Regiment, underscoring the profound respect and admiration for his contributions. As General Shavendra Silva steps into a new chapter of his life, his leadership, valour, and unwavering commitment will continue to inspire generations to come, leaving an enduring legacy in the history of Sri Lanka's military.