Army Commander to effect major changes

by Ranil Wijayapala

Lieutenant General Sarath Fonseka who took command of the Sri Lanka Army last week is due to make a series of changes in the Army's top ranks in the coming weeks, sources in the Army Headquarters told the Daily News yesterday.

Major General G.A. Chandrasiri from Armoured Corps assumed duties as the Security Forces Commander in Jaffna yesterday as Major General Sunil Tennekoon went on leave prior to his retirement from the Army February next year.

Major General D.Y.S.Y Kulatunga who is presently serving as the Commandant of the Staff Training College, Batalanda is due to be appointed as the Commandant of Sri Lanka Army Volunteer Forces Headquarters with effect from January 6 next year.

Major General P. Chandrawansha acting as the Operation Commander Colombo has been appointed as the Commandant Forward Maintenance Area, North with effect from 5th January. According to sources Major General Vajira Wijegunawardena who is also due to retire from the Army shortly has been asked to take over as Operations Commander, Colombo.

Major General Tissa Jayawardena acting as the Commander of the 23rd Division, Welikanda has been appointed as the Director General Staff at the Army Headquarters with effect from January 23.

Major General Nimal Jayasuriya acting as the Commander of the 52 Division in Jaffna will take over as the Area Commander Welioya.

Mannar Area Commander Brigadier Srinath Rajapakse is due take over the command of the 52 Division.

Lt. General Fonseka who gave emphasis on the restructuring of the military intelligence has appointed Brigadier Dhammika Liyanage an Artillery Officer as the Director, Military Intelligence replacing Brigadier Rizvy Zacky.

Brigadier Rizvy Zacky is due to assume duties as Brigadier General Staff Officer, Security Forces Headquarters in Jaffna.

Major General G.P. Pannipitiya Commander of the 51 Division in Jaffna has been posted to Army Headquarters, Colombo.

Brigadier Nalin Witharanage now functioning as the Director Media in the absence of Brigadier Daya Ratnayake will take over duties at Security Forces Headquarters, East.

Brigadier Daya Ratnayake now on a training stint in Hawai is due to take over duties as General Officer Commander 23 Division, Welikanda on his return to the country. Brigadier S.A.P.P. Samarasinghe 222 Brigade Commander will take over as the Director Media with effect from December 22.