New Army Commander from today

by Ranil Wijayapala

General Shantha Kottegoda who was promoted to the rank of General on his retirement, relinquished his duties as the 17th Commander of the Sri Lanka Army after 16 months in his 36 year career at the Army Headquarters yesterday.

Lt. General Sarath Fonseka a battle hardened soldier will assume duties as the 18th Commander of the Sri Lanka Army today at 8.30 a.m.

President Mahinda Rajapakse is to appoint General Kottegoda as an Ambassador shortly.

The outgoing Commander was accorded a Guard of Honour by the Sri Lanka Light Infantry Regiment of which he was lifelong member. A photograph of the outgoing Commander was unveiled at the Army Headquarters by Army Commander-designate Lt. General Sarath Fonseka.

General Kottegoda was enlisted to the Army on February 5, 1970 as an Officer Cadet and commissioned as Second Lieutenant and posted to the 1st Battalion Sri Lanka Light Infantry in 1971.

Addressing troops, General Kottegoda commended the commitment and dedication of his men to safeguarding the country's territorial integrity.

Before assuming the highest position in the Army in July 2004, he served as Chief of Staff, Deputy Chief of Staff, Commandant and Sri Lanka Army Volunteer Force Headquarters.

The Commander designate Lt. Gen. Fonseka will succeed the vacant commander's post today. Enlisted to the Army on February 5, 1970 he was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the first Battalion of the Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment on June 1, 1971.

He was promoted to the ranks of Lieutenant and Captain on February 5, 1973 and February 5, 1976. Subsequent to his service placement at Combat Training School, he was promoted to the rank of a Major on February 5, 1984.

Lt. Gen. Fonseka as a professional soldier, during his career spanning over 34 years, has followed the Staff College course in Bangladesh, Company Commanders Course, Pakistan, Battalion Support Weapons Course in India, Commando Officers Course, India, Infantry Officers Advanced Course (USA) and Royal College of Defence Studies in UK. He has also attended several overseas seminars including the Pacific Armies Management Seminar in Japan, Geneva, Iran, India and UK.

Major General Fonseka was appointed Commander, Security Forces, Jaffna on May 5, 2002, and he functioned until November 23, 2003. He launched a number of humanitarian and welfare projects in Jaffna for the benefit of residents and soldiers.