The Chief of Defence Staff, General Shavendra Silva WWV RWP RSP VSV USP ndc psc MPhil, was extended a warm welcome by Major General W A S S Wanasinghe RSP USP ndu, the Commander Security Force Mullaitivu (14 October 2022) at Mullaitivu Security Force Headquarters, premises.
Addressing the troops, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) appreciated all Officers and Other Ranks who attended numerous projects, endeavours, launched by CDS during his tenure as the 23rd Commander of the Sri Lanka Army.
CDS highlighted that his immaculate hold of the command was mainly because of the committed and professional discharge of duties by all ranks of the Army.
General Shavendra Silva also stressed that the soils of Mullaitivu is not strange to him because Mullaitivu camp premises is located very closer to where the last inch of land was captured from the clutches of LTTE including Vellamulliwaikkal and the Nandikadal lagoon on 18 May 2009 marking the triumph of the three decade drawn war. There, General Shavendra Silva with respect and gratitude remembered all who fell and got wounded in the battle.
At the same time, CDS conveyed his gratefulness to all troops who engaged in the operations conducted to control the rapidly spread Covid-19 pandemic.
Further, CDS stressed that the professional and responsible discharge of duties by all troops island wide, during the prevailed challenging period could minimize unexpected eventualities and brought solace to the general public.
At the same time, he requested all Officers and Other Ranks to continue to extend the same responsible and professional support to the present Commander of the Army also by performing all entrusted duties.
A memento exchange took place between SF Commander Mullaitivu and the Chief of Defence Staff followed by the troop address. Afterwards, General Shavendra Silva was invited to plant a sapling marking his visit to SFHQ (Mullaitivu). The CDS interacted with Officers after the lunch served at Officers’ Mess premises.
Prior to leaving from Mullaitivu, CDS posed for a group photograph and singed the Visitors Book.
GOCs of Divisions, FMA Commander, Brigade Commanders, a cross section of Officers and Other Ranks under command to SFHQ (MLT) were present at the occasion