The day’s agenda commenced after Major General Boniface Perera, Commander, SFHQ-W welcomed the visiting Army Chief on arrival at the SFHQ-W premises. In accordance with military formalities, the Commander at the entrance reviewed the Guard Turnout at the SFHQ-W premises and afterwards received the Guard of Honour, accorded in his honour. He was afterwards invited to add unforgettable memories of his visit by planting a tree sapling in the compound.
The Army Chief during subsequent meetings with Major General Boniface Perera, Commander, SFHQ-W, General Officers Commanding (GOC), 21, 56, 61 and 62 Divisions and with more than 100 senior officers and other ranks clearly spelt out his vision for the Army and explained the series of welfare measures, being implemented in the Army under his direction for the best interest of all Army personnel. During the meet, he also underlined the importance of collective commitment and best discipline at all levels.
Later on, the Commander took time off to visit the 54 Division Headquarters in Mannar where he was warmly received by Major General K.M.U Wijerathne, General Officer Commanding, 54 Division.
In his interactive meeting with the troops at 54 and 61 Divisions inside the 54 Division Headquarters, the Commander stressed the need to maintain cordial relations with civilians in respective areas under the 54 Division while launching projects to enhance understanding, reconciliation and social harmony.
As the second segment of the programme, the Commander was later on taken to the newly-resettled village, Nandimithragama where he was welcomed by GOCs of 56 and 61 Divisions at the 7 Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment (SLSR) Unit premises. Commander’s formal address to the troops for 56 and 61 Divisions followed an all rank lunch.
The Commander took time off afterwards to visit the 62 Divisional Headquarters where the GOC, 62 Division received the visiting Commander on arrival at Mahaweli grounds. His interactive sessions with the 622 Brigade Commander, and senior officers, focused on roles and tasks of the soldiers serving the areas. Before his departure back to the SFHQ-W, the Commander spoke to the 62 Division troops and shared his thoughts with them.
Major General Boniface Perera, 54 Division General Officer Commanding, 21, 54, 56, 61 and 62 Divisions and Brigade Commanders were associated with the Commander’s visits to different places. A symbolic memento was also presented to the visiting Commander by Major General Boniface Perera.