27th November 2024 13:16:12 Hours
Major General S P A I M B Samarakoon Hdmc Lsc of the Sri Lanka Army Electrical & Mechanical Engineers (SLEME) visited the Chief of Defence Staff, General Shavendra Silva WWV RWP RSP VSV USP ndc psc MPhil at the Office of the Chief of Defence Staff (OCDS) for a farewell meeting, marking the end of his distinguished military career of over 36 years.
Upon arriving at the OCDS, Major General Indra Samarakoon received a warm welcome. In a friendly conversation, General Shavendra Silva commended the retiring officer for his tireless dedication and unwavering commitment over his 36-year career. General Shavendra Silva reflected on the invaluable contributions of Major General Indra Samarakoon during the nation's fight against terrorism, appreciating his relentless dedication and exceptional service as an Electrical and Mechanical Engineering Officer.
The CDS highlighted Major General Indra Samarakoon's efforts as the Director of Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (DEME) during his tenure as Commander of the Army, commending his role in developing innovative vehicles for the Sri Lanka Army, in line with General Shavendra Silva's vision and guidance.
Major General Indra Samarakoon expressed his appreciation for General Shavendra Silva's visionary leadership and transformative initiatives during his tenure as Commander of the Army. He acknowledged that, under General Shavendra Silva’s command, he was able to make his best professional contributions to the Army’s progress.
Reflecting on this period, Major General Samarakoon highlighted the Army’s remarkable achievements in vehicle production and revitalizing efforts that had been inactive for decades. Under General Shavendra Silva's leadership as Commander of the Army, the Army began manufacturing heavy vehicles, including trucks, water bowsers, gully emptiers, jeeps, and an entire vehicle fleet, marking a significant leap forward in vehicle manufacturing for the first time in history.
He further emphasized the historic accomplishments during this time, including the modernising of Uni-buffels, armoured vehicles, and gun-towing vehicles. The Uni-buffels were also supplied to the Sri Lanka Police, showcasing the Army's expanded manufacturing capabilities. This era witnessed the highest number of vehicles ever produced in the Army’s history.
Major General Samarakoon also acknowledged the modernisation of the Army’s vehicle fleet, noting the significant transformation in the outlook and utility of Land Rovers as a testament to General Shavendra Silva's strong leadership and commended his unparalleled contributions to advancing the professional capabilities of the Sri Lanka Army.
Finally, Major General Indra Samarakoon conveyed his gratefulness to General Shavendra Silva for his guidance and steadfast support, acknowledging the encouragement he received from him during crucial moments of his military career.
Major General Samarakoon joined the Sri Lanka Army as an Officer Cadet to the Intake 29 in February 1988 and upon commissioning as a Second Lieutenant, he was posted to the Sri Lanka Electrical & Mechanical Engineers Regiment on 16 December 1989. Over the course of his illustrious career, he held numerous appointments and steadily rose through the ranks, ultimately attaining the esteemed rank of Major General on 07 May 2021. Major General Indra Samarakoon served as the Deputy Chief of Staff of the Sri Lanka Army and the Colonel Commandant of the Sri Lanka Electrical & Mechanical Engineers at the time of his retirement from the Army.
Concluding the cordial conversation, General Shavendra Silva extended his best wishes for Major General Samarakoon’s future endeavours and, following military traditions, presented him with a special memento as a token of deep appreciation and commendation.